Contents
Needed for this class
- camera or camera phone
- a small stuffed animal or doll
- a light source
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
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/11/06-lens-webb-slide-6QR8-superJumbo-1024x685.jpg)
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.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/11/JRichardson_diffusedLight-1024x682.jpg)
Directional/Diffused Light. This light is a combination of directional and diffused light. The light is partially diffused yet it appears to come from a definite direction and creates shadows. The shadows are less harsh and contain more detail than in direct light. More subtle transition between light and dark areas. Examples: window light, sunlight on a hazy day, sunlight on a partly cloudy day or sunlight bouncing off a reflective surface.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/11/brooklyn-bridge-at-sunrise-137137951-591895b35f9b586470df6224.jpg)
Light Direction
Front light comes from in front of subject from the camera position and the shadows fall behind the subject not concealing any details.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/11/AWSS35953_35953_37903396-1024x1024.jpg)
Side Light comes from 90 degrees to the camera. it adds dimension and texture to the subject.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/11/AWSS35953_35953_38045809.jpg)
Backlight comes from behind the subject towards the camera.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/11/085f62af6f4575939900eec0dc8a13daj-1003x1024.jpg)
Inspiration
11_blk_court_shoe_fron 001 APPETITE Ingredients for Whole Grain Pancakes APPETITE, Olive Oil Lemon Bars
Labs
Homework
Needed for next class
- a camera or cameraphone
- a window or clamp light
- a piece of white cardboard or poster board
- tracing paper
- some simple food items that are not shiny – good choices are onions, garlic
- a background such as a cutting board or the back of a baking sheet
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