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Four Different Kinds of Light (and How They Each Impact Your Photos)

Posted by Dan on September 17th, 2007 6 Comments Printer-Friendly
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Light is the backbone in every photograph. In this post-processing, Photoshop-faking, high-dynaminic-ranging world of modern photography, beginning photographers often forget about light in the process. It’s to their detriment: Almost every other photographic flaw - poor composition, cheap equipment, etc. - can be excused simply if the light is good. And, despite what a lot of people may think, good lighting is something that just can’t be faked.

This is an introduction - the first step in thinking about lighting’s impact on your photographs. More advanced photographers may find it beneath them, but oftentimes we all can benefit from a return to the basics. Here are four different types of lighting along with examples of how each is used well. In the coming weeks, Cheapshooter will explore each in detail and offer some specific techniques on how each can be used to produce great photography. Don’t miss out - make sure you add our RSS feed.

Catch the four different types after the jump.

Frontlight



Front lighting is one of the most basic - and most common - forms of lighting.
Meadow of Yellow Flowers, originally uploaded by oneeighteen

What is it: It’s fair to say the majority of photographs taken are examples of frontlighting. It is what is most familiar - the sun provides the lighting for the photo. Imagine that a giant spotlight was mounted to the top of your digital camera instead of a flash. That’s exactly what frontlighting is.

What is it good for: Just about anything - this is the basic type of light. Frontlighting is the basis behind most forms of landscape photography, since it is capable of creating evenly exposed scenes with striking skies. Camera exposure meters generally thrive in a front-lit environment, making it a great type of light for snapshots or other on-the-go photos.

Challenges: Making the photography interesting. Since almost all photographs are frontlit, it’s tough to make yours look distinctive. In addition, not all frontlighting is valued the same. Midday lighting comes from directly overhead rather than straight-on, producing harsh and distracting shadows. Light in the early morning hours or in the late evening has a richer quality to it, but there’s only a small window to shoot in. You have to be quick.

Diffused Frontlighting



Diffused Frontlighting creates a more uniform exposure than other types of lighting.
Photo originally uploaded by zorglubb.


What is it: A specific type of frontlighting that loses some of its directionality. A common side-effect of overcast days, diffused frontlight results in an image that is more evenly illuminated than a simple frontlit photo alone.

What is it good for: This is another safe type of lighting that most digital cameras handle with ease. Because the diffusion reduces shadows, it’s great lighting for portraits, macro photography or other detail shots.

Challenges: The sky is dull and boring in diffused frontlit photos, giving landscape photographs a gloomy look that may not be desirable. It’s better to shoot portraits and the like against an interesting backdrop rather than a dull and lifeless sky.

Backlighting

Note: Read the full article on backlighting here.



Backlighting can create a cool effect in many images if used correctly.

Sentimental Sunlight, originally uploaded by HaMeD!caL.


What is it: A subject directly in front of the primary light source.

What is it good for: Backlighting is used to produce sharp silhouettes or interesting lighting effects with partially-transparent objects like flowers or leaves.

Challenges: Most cameras struggle to find the right exposure for a backlit image, making this an effect that’s often easier to produce with manual settings. Poorly-exposed backlit images represent the worst of both worlds, with unclear detail in both the background and subject. The effect also tends to be overused, so images run the risk of being cliche.

Sidelighting



Sidelighting can produce some of the most dramatic and interesting effects.
Photo originally uploaded by Michael Czeiszperger.


What is it: Just like it sounds: the primary light source is positioned to the side of the subject.

What is it good for: Sidelighting is arguably the most aesthetically-interesting of all forms of light. It’s the easiest method to give your images the illusion of depth, as shadows will be darker in a sidelit image. Portraits in front of a window are a classic example of a sidelit look that many photographers try and replicate.

Challenges: Balancing both shadow and highlight areas can be a challenge for many photographers and many digital cameras. This is the most advanced type of lighting, and the setup time and knowledge level necessary for a good exposure is almost certainly increased.

As Cheapshooter explores lighting more, this page will be updated with links to each type’s specific article. Be sure to bookmark the page and come back later.




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