Module 2B - Properties and Quality of Light

Flashcards about properties and quality of light in photography.

Quality of Light

Characteristics of light including hard (specular) and soft (diffused) light, as well as the inherent color value of the light.

Visible Light Spectrum

The small section of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that is visible to the human eye, containing varying wavelengths that determine how we see color.

White Light

Light that contains all wavelengths of the visible light spectrum.

ROY G BIV

Mnemonic device for the order of light rays when white light passes through a prism: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

Color Temperature

Numeric value describing color values throughout the visible spectrum, based on the Kelvin Color Temperature Scale (K").

White Light (Daylight)

The basis for natural color perceived in daytime sunlight, generally measured as 5500 K.

Color Shifts

Changes in color values due to different light sources, ranging from warm tones (low Kelvin) to cool tones (high Kelvin).

Angle of Incidence

The angle at which light strikes a surface, equal to the angle of reflectance.

Size of the Light Source

The size of the light source relative to the subject that determines the hardness or softness of the light, and impacting highlights and shadows.

Inverse Square Law

Law of physics stating that the intensity of light on a subject is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source.

Depth of Light

The consistency of exposure from the subject and the rate at which light falls off, influenced by the distance of the light source.

Quantity of Light

The amount of light present on a subject and within a scene, measurable with a light meter, and used as the basis for image exposure.

Hard Light

Harsh lighting from a small light source (relative to the subject) that produces strong and distinct shadows, emphasizing texture and form.

Soft Light

Diffused lighting from a larger light source (relative to the subject) used at close distances, which creates a more gradual transition of highlight and shadows. Considered more flattering to portrait subjects.

Flat Lighting

Lighting that strikes the subject from the front or does not rake across it, diminishing texture and detail. Often used in product and fashion photography.