How to focus the lights on subject and backdrops
Posted by Backdropsource Collaborator on
Lighting is a vital component for a thriving portrait. Light brings in the quality, feel and the pleasing ambience for any photo shoot. So it is essential to use the light appropriately to get quality portraits. It enhances the colour vibrancy and glows on our subject. By eventually dispersing lights, we can portrait amazingly. Let's now consider the role of light in photography:
Placing the light
The light falling on the subject depends on the basis from where it is positioned. The light behind the camera facing the subject gives a flat lighting and casts shadows on the background. A side view shows the shape of the subject clearly and shadows produced gives a spectacular look. Light positioned behind the subject hits it directly and casts a bright image
Influential Light
Light can be diffused using a softbox, umbrella and in many other ways. This helps to lessen the glow and narrow shadows cast. It produces a natural look to the environment and
Control the Light. We can make the light highlight a particular portion of the subject using the reflectors and diffusers. Reflectors help to highlight a particular portion of the subject and a spot light is used to control the direction of the light.
Wide light:
Wide light source spills delicate light. When the light source is wide, it reduces the shadows, contrast and kerbs the consistency. As the light strikes the subject from all directions, it is delicate and enlightens the portrait. On the other hand, a slender light source emits hard light. An additional effect is when positioning the subject near a large window, where no sunlight is visible. It overcomes the role of a softbox and produces a fantastic outcome.
Delicate light:
Delicate light spilts when it is placed closer. When the light source is placed closer, the light widens and spills delicate light. Whereas when it is placed far from the subject, the light is harder. So for indoor shots, the lights have to be placed closer to a pleasing result.
Diffuser:
Diffuser helps to gain soft light. A softbox helps to prevent the harsh light hitting the subject. Any substance such as a transparent plastic or white cloth can be used to spread out the harsh light hitting the subject. A strobe can also be used to diffuse the light.
A bounce effect spills soft light. When a hard light is hit on a wall or a ceiling, it reflects and diffuses a soft light on the subject. For a sparking effect, a mirror or a shiny material can be used as reflectors.
Flashlight:
Flash light is used for the harsh lights. When the light source is placed far from the subject, only a meagre portion of the light gets emitted on the subject and gives a dull look. A camera flash can be used to light up the subject when exposed to harsh sunlight.
Distance between the subject and background
For a background to appear bright on our shoot, ensure that the light is placed at an appropriate distance from the subject. This is applicable for side lights too
Highlights the quality
Front lighting doesn't improve the quality of the portrait like lights from below and sides. We have to consider the angle of positioning to get a quality
Colour temperature of lights.
Even white colour lights can appear to be in color, and this is called color temperature. The color of the light may vary depending on the time of the day. In the case of indoor shooting with tungsten light, the color will be yellow. The color of the surface where the light hits can influence the subject when it gets bounced. In digital cameras, white balance control is used to influence or neutralise the effect.
Lighting effects are the main component that can add beauty to the portrait or can ruin the entire photo shoot. The art of using the light makes ultimate photography. That makes him as unique and a professional photographer.