Introduction to Light

1. Introduction to Light

2. Let’s define Exposure • The amount of light that falls on the sensor that records the image in the camera. • The level of light varies from scene to scene. There is a huge difference between the amount of light falling in full sunlight compared to the same scene at dusk. • If the camera lets too much light in, the image will be overexposed---it will look very pale and bleached out. If there is not enough light, the image will be underexposed and appear too dark.

3. Rules of Light • Think of a photograph as an imprint of the light falling on a scene. For the camera to make an accurate image, the camera has to adjust the exposure. • The camera can be set to different levels of sensitivity to light. In very low light situations, you need a higher level of sensitivity to record the scene. To do this, you will adjust the ISO level. • Normal ISO setting for daylight is ISO 100 • Dull interior- ISO 200 • Nighttime ISO 400-800

4. Hard Light • Hard lighting is a way to describe the effect of strong directional light. • Characterized by hard edges and a sharp division between light and shadow. • The strong contrasting shapes will create an abstract sense of pattern, which will add drama to a composition. • The negative aspect of this form of light is that you will lose detail in the shadows, making it inappropriate for most portrait work, unless you use a fill flash or a reflector to bounce light back into the shadow.

6. Soft Light Occurs when light is diffused by atmosphere and clouds, or by reflective surfaces, such as a wall or water. This produces a softer effect that is more atmospheric. A reduction of contrast between the light and the shadow areas leads to a softer definition of form and more definition of detail in the shadows. Suitable for portrait work.

8. Ambient Light Overall lighting in a scene, created naturally or artificially, changes the form and texture in every detail of the scene. Everything tends to have the same color tone.

9. Directional Light • You can dramatically effect the way light works in your composition through where you stand while taking the shot, or where you position your subject in relation to the direction of the light. • By moving around your subject you can completely alter the feeling of the shot. • Whether the subject is lit from the front, side or back affects the mood of the shot, allowing the light to play of the subject in various ways.

11. Reflective Light • Light reflected in a scene from a reflective surface that the light falls on. The subject, the floor, a wall, or table can bounce light back into the shadows. As the shadows are lightened, the contrast between the light and shadow will diminish, and you will be able to see more details in the shadow areas.

12. Low-level light • Some of the best lighting for photography. • Early morning and twilight and known as the magic hours for photographers when the light creates a visual harmony across a scene. • Low-Level light often results in silhouettes • In low-light situations, change your ISO to 400 and above

13. Natural Light • Shifts direction and temperature depending on the time of day and year. • Can be affected by atmospheric and weather conditions. Clouds move---diffusing, blocking and reflecting light of day, providing different variations of light, evoking different emotions. • Outside light • Light outside will be brighter and yet more diffused than light inside. Overcast days can be some of the best days to photograph because light bounces off and reflects from different surfaces, reducing shadows and showing more detail. • Inside light • Use the window like a lamp illuminating your subject. Photographing with the window behind you will provide even lighting. Facing the window will put forms in silhouette. Standing parallel to the window will make forms rim lit. • Seasonal light • Spring light is sharp and bright on cloudless days. • Summer light is softer and warmer in tone • Autumn light is more golden and diffused. • Winter light is cooler in tone, and the shadows are longer as the sun in lower in the sky