What's the Different in Direct and Indirect Lighting?
There are two main categories of lighting in this world, direct and indirect lighting. Of course, each serves its own unique purpose in photography. With both advantages and disadvantages to each, it will be important to know the details of each type of lighting.
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.
Using Lighting
Even though both direct and indirect lighting are valuable to photography, their differences are key to helping you achieve your goals. For direct lighting, you can emphasize texture and shadows to bring out features of your photography. With indirect lighting, you'll be able to conduct lighting in a way that helps you portray the feeling you're trying to get across.
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.
How Can I Have Fun with Lighting?
Having fun should be a requirement to working with lighting and it can be! By setting a long exposure and using a timer or remote, you can creatively write out a message in light. Begin your exposure, write out your message, freeze at the end and allow the time to expire, then move out of the frame to see how your image turned out. Light graffiti can really be fun!
Finally, check your results on your screen and then adjust the speed accordingly. By wearing black, you'll be able to move in and out of the scene almost undetected. Then, consider adding a little variety of color by using colored gels or wraps to place over the torch.
There are two main categories of lighting in this world, direct and indirect lighting. Of course, each serves its own unique purpose in photography. With both advantages and disadvantages to each, it will be important to know the details of each type of lighting.
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.
Using Lighting
Even though both direct and indirect lighting are valuable to photography, their differences are key to helping you achieve your goals. For direct lighting, you can emphasize texture and shadows to bring out features of your photography. With indirect lighting, you'll be able to conduct lighting in a way that helps you portray the feeling you're trying to get across.
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.
How Can I Have Fun with Lighting?
Having fun should be a requirement to working with lighting and it can be! By setting a long exposure and using a timer or remote, you can creatively write out a message in light. Begin your exposure, write out your message, freeze at the end and allow the time to expire, then move out of the frame to see how your image turned out. Light graffiti can really be fun!
Finally, check your results on your screen and then adjust the speed accordingly. By wearing black, you'll be able to move in and out of the scene almost undetected. Then, consider adding a little variety of color by using colored gels or wraps to place over the torch.
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