Unit 57 – Photography Lighting

Photo-graphy: Drawing with light “The quality of the light you are working in makes the single biggest difference to the quality of your image.”

Soft lighting Soft lighting can be achieved outside or in the studio. It helps to accurately reveal colour and tone. Soft light is flattering and is found outside on cloudy days or in the studio by using soft boxes or reflectors.

Hard lighting Hard lighting can be achieved outside or in the studio. It helps to show shape, form and texture. Hard light is found outside in direct sunlight or in the studio by direct lighting. Martin Parr

Flat lighting Flat lighting illuminates everything evenly. It is used in medical photography to reveal as much detail as possible. It is sometimes used in portraiture to present the sitter in a non-judgemental or neutral way. Allie Mae Burroughs Walker Evans, 1936

Directional lighting Directional lighting helps to show shape and texture. The main light comes into the photograph from one source or direction. The effect is often used by painters such as Rembrandt and is know as ‘chiaroscuro’ Pastrycook August Sander, 1928

Lighting can be hard and flat. It can be soft and flat. It can be hard and directional. It can be soft and directional. In the studio, photographers can control the light to create exactly the mood or feel of their lighting. When working outside they have to rely on the weather

Flash! Flash light can be very harsh and unflattering when it is pointed directly at the subject. Photographers use diffusers and reflectors to soften the light. Fill-in flash can be used outdoors to soften shadows and boost colour saturation.

On-camera flash Convenient and simple Attachments can also be used to soften the light The light can be harsh The light can be softened by ‘bouncing’ it from reflectors

Studio flash Allows a high degree of creative control Can be time-consuming to set up