READ: Exploring Lighting

Intro

Photography is all about light. Knowing about different kinds of light and how you can use light in your photography can make a big difference. Just take a look at the following images. 

Single light source

This photograph uses a single source of lighting from the side of the subject. The light paints her face in light and shadow as well as creating a warm color and feeling for the photograph.

Side Lighting

This photo of Erin uses side lighting to get a similar effect.

Soft Side Lighting

You can use soft side lighting. Consider this nice photograph of a child taken by Sylvan. The shadows are not harsh but you can tell that the light is coming from one side.

This image and the previous one are both examples of side lighting. Side lighting adds depth and texture to the subject. The shadows can be dramatic and interesting. Even lighting that leaves little shadow is called soft lighting.

Hard Lighting

These photos are both examples of hard lighting although not as hard as some photos.