Week 10 – Light Direction/Light Quality

Needed for this class

Props for still life on theme of fall

Black card, white card and or plain background

clip lamp

camera

Light Quality

Direct light or hard light – the rays of light are nearly parallel and strike the subject from one direction creating strong hard edged dark shadows with little detail. This type of light is characterized by quick transitions between the light areas and dark areas of the photo
Examples: a spotlight, sun on a clear day, or a bare flash

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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.

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Directional/Diffused Light.   Soft 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: indirect window light, sunlight on a hazy day, sunlight on a partly cloudy day or light bouncing off a reflective surface,

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Light Direction

Front lighting: Subject is placed so the light is in front of subject and the shadows fall behind the subject not concealing any details

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Side lighting: Subject or light is placed so the light hits from the side creating shadows and depth in the image. Direct side lighting will emphasize texture. When shooting with side lighting, watch where the shadows fall. Making small adjustments in position can create more interesting shadows.

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Back lighting: The light comes from behind the subject. Although this creates dramatic images, if not exposed properly a silhouette will result.

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Lab9: Main/Fill

Lab 9: Still Life

Homework 9 Due 4/23