By James Hardens
How to Differentiate Direct and Indirect Lighting
With two categories of lighting possible in photography, it's helpful to know the differences. Although each has its own function, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you in setting up your lighting. Knowing how each type can help you is essential.
Since direct lighting points or shines directly on the subject, it can sometimes be harsh (too strong) or have a hue that is strong enough to seem to change all the colors in your scene. (If your lighting isn't white, you may be surprised at the color transformation that can take place). While indirect lighting seems to shine from every angle to surround your subject, it can be useful to know how to control this powerful type of lighting.
Often, the purpose of studio photography is to transform direct into indirect lighting. Photographers often use reflectors to make this happen, which are much less expensive than lamps, dishes, or other reflective gadgets. Still, direct lighting turns into indirect with very little expense, as you will see.
Amazingly, you can use a single sheet of paper towel to place over your flash. As long as it is not too close to the bulb (and goes up in flames), it can effectively disperse the light in many directions. Although a reflector can be used as well, this inexpensive option may surprise you in its simplicity.
How Do I Use Lighting?
Although direct and indirect lighting have value in setting up your lighting, you'll need to clearly understand the difference in order to achieve the success you're looking for with your images. By emphasizing shadows or textures, you can use direct lighting to bring out the best detail in your photos. For indirect lighting, you have the chance to coordinate lighting so that you can orchestrate the mood that will best help you convey your idea.
When you can clearly identify where the light is coming from, you'll be able to better control your lighting and any shadows that it may create. Even on an overcast day, pay attention to the angle of the lighting (whether it's the sun or an artificial source) will help you avoid avoid back lit photos. If your subject is not directly in front of your light source, then you can pretty much shoot from any angle you prefer.
Having Fun with Lighting
Next, comes some of the fun you can have with lighting. By setting a long enough exposure time (with the start and release help of the self-timer), you can virtually draw out your own message for the world to see. Begin by moving in front of the camera to draw and finish by holding the torch steady, turning off the camera with a remote or allowing the timer to expire, and then moving out of the frame.
You can check your screen for results and then adjust the shutter speed as necessary. Also, if you wear black, your silhouette will be nearly imperceptible in the photo, but you'll be able to see what was written. Colored gels or plastic wraps can also be taped over the end of the torch to allow you to change the color to your heart's content!
With two categories of lighting possible in photography, it's helpful to know the differences. Although each has its own function, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you in setting up your lighting. Knowing how each type can help you is essential.
Since direct lighting points or shines directly on the subject, it can sometimes be harsh (too strong) or have a hue that is strong enough to seem to change all the colors in your scene. (If your lighting isn't white, you may be surprised at the color transformation that can take place). While indirect lighting seems to shine from every angle to surround your subject, it can be useful to know how to control this powerful type of lighting.
Often, the purpose of studio photography is to transform direct into indirect lighting. Photographers often use reflectors to make this happen, which are much less expensive than lamps, dishes, or other reflective gadgets. Still, direct lighting turns into indirect with very little expense, as you will see.
Amazingly, you can use a single sheet of paper towel to place over your flash. As long as it is not too close to the bulb (and goes up in flames), it can effectively disperse the light in many directions. Although a reflector can be used as well, this inexpensive option may surprise you in its simplicity.
How Do I Use Lighting?
Although direct and indirect lighting have value in setting up your lighting, you'll need to clearly understand the difference in order to achieve the success you're looking for with your images. By emphasizing shadows or textures, you can use direct lighting to bring out the best detail in your photos. For indirect lighting, you have the chance to coordinate lighting so that you can orchestrate the mood that will best help you convey your idea.
When you can clearly identify where the light is coming from, you'll be able to better control your lighting and any shadows that it may create. Even on an overcast day, pay attention to the angle of the lighting (whether it's the sun or an artificial source) will help you avoid avoid back lit photos. If your subject is not directly in front of your light source, then you can pretty much shoot from any angle you prefer.
Having Fun with Lighting
Next, comes some of the fun you can have with lighting. By setting a long enough exposure time (with the start and release help of the self-timer), you can virtually draw out your own message for the world to see. Begin by moving in front of the camera to draw and finish by holding the torch steady, turning off the camera with a remote or allowing the timer to expire, and then moving out of the frame.
You can check your screen for results and then adjust the shutter speed as necessary. Also, if you wear black, your silhouette will be nearly imperceptible in the photo, but you'll be able to see what was written. Colored gels or plastic wraps can also be taped over the end of the torch to allow you to change the color to your heart's content!