Photography Lighting Techniques Made Simple

July 28, 2010 · Filed Under General

We notice a beautiful photograph…possibly hanging on a wall someplace, and then we think “WOW my photography does not look like THAT!” Then we sprint out and throw away a huge number of dollars buying the most recent gear – books on photography lighting techniques and so on. But it STILL does not work! This is why…

The very best professionals and amateurs alike all comprehend something regarding photography lighting techniques that many people never in fact “get!”

What makes a photograph give the impression of being amazingly genuine and burst from the page isn’t just light…it is the shadows. One fundamental fact to always take into accout is

Shadows Define Shape!

One section of photo lighting education that’s sorely disregarded and under considered stands out as the shadow. Most of us tend to over light our images and so lose the shadows.

True we are able to see the face, but it tends to become unexciting and unmoving. It’s not until we introduce shadow, that our picture takes on a 3 dimensional point of view and looks like a genuine person about to step off of the piece of paper.

Here’s how to RAPIDLY get better at this vital subject of photography light strategies.

First: Get yourself a model. Employ a friend, next of kin or just use the kid next door.

Second: Sit them on a chair in a room that can be pitch-black. With all the lights on, look at them. Study their face. Notice how it looks? Now turn off the lights and allow it to become entirely dark.

Third: Take a flashlight (an actual flashlight, not some photo studio light) and have someone hold it at roughly 45 degrees on the side and above your subject. Notice how the light lets us see our subject’s face? (At least we can make out one side of it, however it is in truth the shadow that defines the form!)

Fourth: Now employ a reflector of some type – perhaps a bit of white paper or material – and have somebody hold it at the opposite side of the face from your light.

Move it nearer and further away. Notice how the shadow alters? Learn it, take notes. It’s at this point – in the way in which record the shadows – that separates the pros from the wannabes.

Certainly do this. In 15 or 20 minutes you’ll learn more about photography lighting techniques and how to put pizzazz in your shots than you would ever think of. Try it; your photography will likely be eternally changed.

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