Module 2D-PPT

Photographers need to photograph a wide variety of subjects, including people, products, landscapes, and real estate.
Lighting is a key aspect of creating great images.
Photographers need to master various lighting tools and techniques.
Decisions regarding lighting tools and their placement are important to achieve the desired effect and overcome obstacles.

Flat lighting strikes the subject straight on from the front.
It produces little to no real shadows.
Flat lighting is useful for photographing large groups to avoid uncontrolled shadows.

Directional lighting creates a light side and a shadow side.
The main light is used to create highlights and shadows.
It defines a lighting style and pattern.
Example: Placing the main light at camera right at 45 degrees.
Highlight and shadows are created by skimming across the subject's surface, which brings out detail.

Catchlights are the reflection of the light source in the subject's eyes.
They add a desirable touch by bringing life to the eyes in a portrait.
The main light should be placed high enough for the catchlight to appear at the ten o'clock or two o'clock position in the eyes.
A single light source placed at 45 degrees can illuminate the subject, creating contrast from shoulder to shoulder.
A fill light or reflector can be used to raise the illumination of the shadow side.

The fill light controls the contrast of highlight and shadow created by the main light.
It usually has a larger light modifier.
It is placed behind the camera position.
Increasing the power of the fill light reduces contrast.
Decreasing the power of the fill light increases contrast.

Background light illuminates the background.
It adds depth or separates the subject from the background.
It is usually placed behind the subject and toward the background to create a desirable pattern.

Hair light illuminates the subject’s hair.
It separates the subject from the background.
This is especially important when photographing a subject with dark hair against a dark background.
Hair light is usually placed above and slightly behind the head.

Rim light is the bright, outer glow of light coming from the backside of the model.
It provides separation from the background.
It is placed behind the head and directed to the back.

Also known as a kicker light.
This specialty light defines and sculpts the subject.
It adds a strong highlight from behind the subject which adds interest, creates form, or separation.
Kicker lights are often created using a strip light or softbox placed behind the subject at about 45° and pointing back towards the subject.

The broad lighting pattern illuminates the side of the face that is closest to the camera.
Achieved by placing the main light to the right of the subject, with the subject's head turned to the left.
Placing the light on the same side as the visible ear produces this light pattern.
It will make the face appear more full and round.

Using light to sculpt the subject requires directional light that skims and rakes across the subject to create form, shape, and texture.
When shadows are too deep or strong, additional light is required to illuminate those areas.
The fill light is often used to add light, or a reflector can be used.

Using a subtractive lighting technique, the photographer blocks unwanted light or reduces the amount of incoming light to achieve the desired result.
Example: Moving to a covered walkway as a canopy to block overhead light, redirecting the light to the side.
Another example is shading a flower with a black poster board to get softer lighting.

A flag is used to eliminate some of the light from striking the background.
The flag is placed between the main light and the background to keep the light off the background.