WIKI-2D

Photographers need to photograph various subjects and mastering lighting is essential for creating great images.
Photographers need command of lighting tools and techniques, including hard vs. soft light, flat vs. directional light, and studio vs. natural sunlight.

Flat lighting illuminates the subject from the front with minimal shadows.
It minimizes texture, making it suitable for older clients or those with skin blemishes as it hides wrinkles and imperfections.
Flat lighting is a safe choice for large groups to avoid uncontrolled shadows.
Example: Using one light on each side of the camera at a 45° angle with equal power creates flat lighting.

Directional lighting requires a light side and a shadow side.
The main light creates highlights and shadows to bring out the subject's features.
Positioning the main light to skim across the subject's surface enhances detail.
The combination of highlights and shadows adds depth and definition to the image.
Example: Placing the main light at camera right at 45 degrees results in directional lighting on the face.
Turning the subject’s body toward the light can create flat lighting on the body even if the face has directional lighting.
To achieve directional lighting on the body, the subject should turn slightly away from the main light.

Catchlights are the reflections of the light source in the subject's eyes.
They add life to the eyes in a portrait.
Traditionally, the main light should be positioned so the catchlight appears at the ten o’clock or two o’clock position in the eyes.
When using multiple light sources, secondary catchlights are usually removed.

A single light source placed at a 45-degree angle can create strong contrast, showing form, shape, and texture.
If the contrast is too harsh, a reflector or fill light can be used to illuminate the shadows.
Harsh light and shadows can be softened using a softbox and a fill light or reflector.

The fill light controls the contrast between highlights and shadows created by the main light.
It is typically used with larger modifiers to ensure a soft quality of light without secondary shadows.
The fill light is usually placed directly behind the camera but can also be positioned on the shadow side at about 45° from the camera.
The output of the fill light relative to the main light determines the lighting ratio.
- Increasing the power of the fill light reduces contrast.
- Decreasing the power of the fill light increases contrast.

Background light adds depth and separates the subject from the background.
It is typically placed behind the subject and pointed toward the background to create a desired pattern.
Example: A background light can create a nice gradation on a seamless paper background, separating the subject's hair from the background.

The hair light illuminates the subject’s hair, separating it from the background.
It is particularly useful for subjects with dark hair against a dark background.
It is usually placed above and slightly behind the head, illuminating only the hair and avoiding the face.

Rim light is a bright, outer glow of light coming from the back side of the subject.
It provides separation from the background and is effective for creating a fashion look, especially for women with long hair.
The light is placed behind the head and directed to the back of the head.

This specialty light defines and sculpts the subject by adding a strong highlight from behind.

*Example: A kicker light can bring out the subject’s jaw line, defining the shape of their face.

Kicker lights are often created using a strip light or softbox placed behind the subject at about 45°.

Broad lighting illuminates the side of the face that is more visible to the camera.
Placing the main light on the same side as the visible ear produces a broad light pattern.
Broad lighting tends to make a face fuller and rounder.

Short lighting illuminates the narrow side of the face, which is turned away from the camera.
Short lighting tends to slenderize a rounded face and is often the most flattering lighting pattern.

Additive light uses directional light to create form, shape, and texture.
Photographers must manage the shadows created by directional light.
A fill light is used to illuminate shadow areas.
The illumination of shadows by the fill light determines the lighting ratio.
Only using the main light can result in deep shadows.
Adding a fill light behind the camera adds light to the shadow side.
Adjusting the intensity of the fill light controls the contrast of highlights and shadows.
If the fill light is too strong, the overall lighting will appear too flat.
Reflectors can also manage shadows.

Subtractive lighting involves blocking unwanted light to create a more directional lighting pattern.
Example: Blocking overhead light with a canopy to redirect light to the side.
A subtractive lighting technique can also eliminate the contrast of harsh, direct sunlight in the background.
Flags can be used in the studio to keep light off the background.