THE DIRECTION
OF THE LIGHT WE USE
A
photographic print or colour slide is two dimensional. We must
employ every technique or deception to create within that flat
object an illusion of depth and substance - the third dimension.
So let's take a brief look at the way lighting from various directions
can affect our pictures.
click
the small images to see how the photographs were taken
FRONTAL LIGHTING
This tends to minimize the illusion of shape and depth. It reduces
the shadows and causes a flattening effect. This is worth remembering
when the aim is to record a subject whose main quality is its
colour content; the surface will not be confused by shadow or
texture and the colour will therefore appear truer. But the idea
of having the light source behind the camera is, in general,
not a good one.
BACK LIGHTING
Perhaps it's because they assume back lighting is too difficults
to deal with that so many inexperienced photographers are reluctant
to shoot into the sun. But it is a simple enough technique to
master and can transform a mundane subject into a really stunning
image if used well. The brighter the back light, the more contrasty
will be the result, and the more objects in the foreground will
appear to be separated from those further in the distance. This
creates a strong impression of depth. Backlit portraits can have
tremendous impact when the exposure is made for the shaded parts
of the subject's face.
SIDE LIGHTING
This can create really good modelling with bold shadows and a
strong impression of shape and solidity. The harsh shadows formed
by contrasty side lighting are ideal for picking out textures
in subjects like landscapes, buildings and close-ups. Harsh side
light must be used with care, though, if empty shadows are to
be avoided - especially in portraits.
TOP LIGHT
When the sun is directly overhead at midday, it produces the
worst possible lighting conditions for most subjects. In portraits
it causes deep, dark pools in the eye sockets and ugly shadow
beneath the nose. Unless the picture content is really worthwhile,
top-lit landscapes are, at best, mediocre and your time would
be spent more profitably looking for pictures in the shade.
