Lighting in a picture is more important than anything else. The more control you have over lights, the more beautiful your picture will turn out! But what are the things you need to keep in mind before setting up the lights?
Keep reading this blog till the end and you'll know.
Use a Broad Light
Narrow lighting provides sharp shadows which creates an unpleasant element in the picture. The broader your light source is, the softer the light and shadows it provides. A broad light source also provides a natural filter to the subject by suppressing the texture of the subject. To avoid sharp shadows, bounce your light through a reflector or diffuser such as a soft box or umbrella. A broad light source creates the best lighting, especially for a portrait shoot.
Accommodate your light closer to the subject
The light spectrum is broad when it is closer to the subject and doing so will illuminate your subject very evenly without making it look artificial. If you place the light farther from the subject, it will not fall on the subject in a natural manner. Additionally, when the light is placed away from the subject, it will become narrow.
Use front light carefully
Front lighting is widely used by professionals for portrait shoots as it suppresses the texture of your skin and helps in covering up the scars and blemishes. While it can give good results in portrait shoots, it is not advisable to use it on landscape shoots as it will suppress the details from your frame, therefore side lighting is more advisable for landscapes.
Use shadows for a 3-D Look
While everyone keeps on suggesting you avoid shadows, you know that you can break the rules if you want to create something different. Shadows are not always bad, in fact, they can help you create a three-dimensional look and a fuller effect when used correctly. It will make the face of your subject look more natural and appealing.
Pay attention to the Temperature
The sensors of the camera are stronger than our eyes. The light we see is white but it also has a color cast which will be detected by the camera and might ruin your best photos. When shooting outside, keep the tone of the light in mind, the sunlight has a warm tone early morning and late afternoon, whereas, during midday, it is bluish.
Light is the most important factor in the picture, it can make your photo remarkable or make it below average. Learning about light is important if you are looking to make a career in photography. Invest your time in learning these small technicalities and it will help you in any and every shot you will ever do in your life.
Blog by: Harshita Sharma