Unique Digital Photography Light Techniques!
Digital photography light is precisely the same as for film cameras. AND it can be ANY source of light! Or not even a light at all! Once you've learned to control one source of light, you're set! They all work the same.
Let's get into the basics...
Most studio photographers like to employ a 3 light set-up for the vast majority of their portrait work. This is the most common set and should be the 1st one you master.
But one photography light idea that many beginners/amateurs don't realize - an illumination source doesn't inevitably need to be an actual studio strobe. Or even an actual light for that matter.
Naturally we would all like to own the latest studio strobes with all the various options, but it just isn't necessary. Consider...
The first source of illumionation in a 3 light set is known as the main (or the key) light. This is the one that you establish first. You will take your meter reading from this light and set all your other lights based on the key light. But, it doesn't have to be a studio strobe.
The main light source could be the sun, it could be one of those mechanic's work lights (the ones you see hanging from a hook under the hood of a car), you could even employ your car headlights or even use a simple flashlight.
Put your pocketbook away and learn the lighting basics with whatever light is around. Once you acquire a thorough knowledge of light, how it works and how to manipulate it - THEN - is the time to buy expensive studio strobes.
Position your key light to be around 45 degrees between the subject and your camera's position. Then position your key light to be about 45 degrees above the subject. This will create a shadow on one side of the face. That's what you want - that's what makes your model appear 3D rather than flat and lifeless.
If the light source is fixed - like the sun - clearly you would have to move the model into the correct place rather than moving the light.
The next light source is called the fill light. It is used to lighten the shadow side of the face, so that facial details are visible. It can be a studio flash, an on camera flash, a mirror or other type of reflector.
Place your second light either behind and above the camera placement or opposite to the key light. The intensity of the light is where your creative vision takes over .
The third light source is the separation light and is generally positioned in back of the subject. It is used to light the background to separate the model so they don't merge with the background. Or the light is turned around and used to light the back of their body (rim light) or their hair (hair light). The 3rd light too can be a light, reflector or mirror.
A while back I saw a video by the late Dean Collins that demonstrated how - by strategically using mirrors and other reflectors...1 main light source can be the only illumination for a highly complex 5 light set! Keep in mind, in your studies of digital photography light, don't overlook the fact that it doesn't need to be a light at all!
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Photography Lighting Techniques : Lighting for Digital Photography
digital photography lighting techniques5
digital photography lighting techniques5
digital photography lighting techniques5
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