Week 5 – Light Quality and Direction

Light Quality

Direct light or hard light – the rays of light are nearly parallel and strike the subject from one direction creating hard edged dark shadows with little detail.
Examples: a spotlight, sun on a clear day, or a bare flash

Diffused light or soft light– the rays of light are scattered and coming from many directions. It appears even and produces indistinct shadows. Examples: overcast daylight, a light covered with tracing paper or other translucent material.

Direct Light and Direction

Front light comes from in front of subject from the camera position and the shadows fall behind the subject not concealing any details.

Side Light comes from 90 degrees to the camera. it adds dimension and texture to the subject.

Backlight comes from behind the subject towards the camera.

Inspiration

Labs

Lighting Direction

Homework

Midterm Project

Next Week

We will be going on a field trip to Lower Manhattan during class. We will take the A train. You will need train fare to go Lower Manhattan and come back to the classroom.

Be prepared to be outside and to walk. right now the forecast is for 50 degrees and sunny. That can change. We will also spend some time indoors the Oculus and Brookfield Place.

Approximate timing:

12-12:30 Review homework and Aperture

12:30-1 Travel to Fulton

1-2 Shoot

2-2:30 Return to class

2:30-3:20 Download and review photos taken on field trip, review for quiz on March 9th