Photography Cert. 2014 - : Wk 5 - Let there be LIGHT!

Light - The source of all things right

There are several components to consider when using light all of which will influence how photos will come out. These components are Direct light, Diffused light and Reflected light.

Direct light - Causes shadows. Direct can be natural light ie sunlight or artificial light ie light streaming in from a window.

f/8, 1/100, ISO 100

Here is my subject Miss Dona in direct light. The light on Dona's face is uneven and only highlights the areas of her face that is in the direction of the light source.

Diffused light – Light can be diffused either by shinning it through an object or by bouncing. This will take out shadows. The diffuser is used between the subject and sun allowing enough light to come through for subject to be lit up. You can diffuse light without a diffuser by shooting on cloudy days, going into shady spots on a sunny day or shooting indoors. A reflector is used to diffuse light, other types of materials that can be used as white diffusers are muslin and silk. The best metering mode to use is evaluative.

f/8, 1/80, ISO 100

Here is Dona under a diffuser, as you can see the light is more even and there are no shadows.

Reflected light - This is used for shadow problems, of it there is a need for more light or for light to wrap around a subject. Different colour papers can be used as reflectors. The colours server to enhance the intensity or soften the light on the subject.

Gold – casts a stronger light that gives a gold and warm appearance

White - casts a very soft, clean light. In low light situations the white reflect must be very close to the subject

Silver – cooler appearance, good for low light or where a strong light is required

Black – black defines the edges does not diffuse light

f/8, 1/400, ISO 200

Here is Dona standing in front of the sun. The back light is bright compared to front. There is rim light, which differentiates Dona from her background. This appears around her hair and on the side of arm. To introduce more light in front of Dona, we used used a white and gold reflecter.

Dona with Gold reflecter

Dona with White reflecter

Below are more photos from our class exercises

f/8, 1/400, ISO100

While we were shooting we noticed the silhouette of the branches behind the diffuser which we used as a backdrop. Here the light on Dona is diffused there is no front light. The next photo you can see the difference when the white reflecter was used.

f/8, 1/80, ISO 100

I moved position at this time and zoomed up which caught the rim light on the side of Dona's hair. Dona has a fantastic smile which is framed nicely by the branch and the side of the diffuser. Too bad i didn't take note of the branch, it looks as though its going through her head doh!

Here are some photos taken with a diffuser and reflectors.