Lighting is easily one of the most important yet complicated aspects of photography and video creation. Also, it is one of the most underappreciated aspects too. Welcome, budding photographers and enthusiasts, to the fascinating and exciting world of mastering light!
While lighting is one of the most vital elements of photography and video creation processes, unfortunately, few photographers and creators understand the art of ensuring good lighting in their photos or videos.
Whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits, or still-life subjects, you must understand the different types of lighting in photography and video production and how to use them. Did you know that the word “photography” comes from Greek and means “drawing with light?”
Yet beginners and amateur photographers often pick up a camera and start shooting without giving lighting the attention it deserves. And when it gets dark, some may add on a strobe light. However, note that, like the manual mode on a DSLR, getting a grip on a couple of lighting fundamentals will help set you apart from other aspiring photographers and video creators and take your images to the next level.
We will explore essential techniques that empower you to capture breathtaking and memorable photographs in various lighting conditions. From the enchanting and glorious hues of the golden hour to the captivating and mysterious allure of nighttime photography, we will cover it all. So grab your camera, buckle up, and let’s embark on this illuminating journey!
Photography Lighting 101: Start by Shooting in Natural Light
You should know that the best starting place is leveraging natural light to learn and understand how to do professional photography lighting. Why should you start with natural light? Well, natural light removes a key variable for the photographer and makes things simpler: you cannot control or move the light source itself.
However, you can move around and change the time of day. You can also filter the natural light through, say, a window with shades or move the light in front of the subject or behind it.
So, by keeping things simple, you will be able to learn the fundamentals of light. You may shoot outdoors and experiment with different lighting setups, such as direct sunlight, filtered light under trees, cloudy days, and shooting in dark shadows to get the hang of it.
Light Your Subject Well
This is another basic yet important tip that will help you master lighting. When taking a photo or filming a video, it is best to ensure that your subject and the scene are properly lit. This is important for various reasons, such as drawing the viewer’s attention and establishing the overall mood of the shot. But how can you light the subject well?
Well, you can use natural light or create a reliable lighting setup that puts sufficient light on your subject. In both cases, you should take a test shot or photo after your frame is set in order to see how it looks on camera.
Direct Sunlight
This is probably the most challenging and trickiest lighting condition to shoot in. This is because the light can create harsh shadows, making your subjects squint. To avoid this, you should shoot in the shade or even on an overcast day.
However, if you have no other option but to shoot in direct sunlight, try using a reflector or diffuser to soften the light.
The Golden Hour – Unleash the Magic
During the golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, nature offers you a truly magical gift. Did you know that the sun casts a softer, reddish-pink light? This light bathes your subjects in a warm, dreamlike glow, which is fantastic. This is the perfect time for landscapes, portraits, and even wedding photography.
Explore the effortless drama and artistry that this time of day brings, allowing your images to shine without the need for additional lighting equipment.
Overcast Skies
This is one of the best lighting conditions for shooting since the soft, diffused light creates a flattering effect on your subjects. What’s more – you can use overcast skies in order to create dramatic skies, especially in your landscape photos.
Embrace High Noon’s Hidden Potential
Although midday’s harsh lighting may discourage some photographers, it also presents unique opportunities for capturing unique and intriguing photos. Direct, downward lighting can create flat images. However, it can also work wonders with reflective surfaces, including water or glass.
The undiffused light penetrates deeper into the water, transforming it into a transparent wonder. So, don’t shy away from shooting during high noon; instead, seek out the beauty that lies within unexpected subjects.
Final Thoughts
Photography lighting is not as challenging and mysterious as it may sound. And by starting with the fundamentals of photography lighting techniques and methods and playing with a photo light or two, you will be able to master getting the perfect exposure in no time.
You can use these easy and super-effective photography and video lighting tips to instantly make your results look better without buying or investing in expensive lighting equipment or a fancy camera.