Camera Basics You Can't Afford to Miss: Does Light Determine Photo Quality? | Release #189
cover image by saciiiko
“Great composition, but it's overexposed...”
“It's too dark to see anything!”
“Too sharp for a soft image?”
Do you have these concerns when taking photos? Reading this article might help solve those problems.
‘Light’, or ‘lighting’, is a major factor that affects the quality of a photo. Especially for beginners, understanding how to use light can dramatically improve photo quality. This article provides a clear explanation of the basics of lighting with practical examples. Let's dive into the world of light.
Are There Different Types of Light?
In fact, there are two types of light. Knowing the difference between them will help you choose the right light for the photo you want to take.
Natural Light
Natural light refers to sunlight. The quality of natural light changes depending on the time of day, from sunrise to sunset. For example, during the 'golden hour' in the early morning or evening, you can get soft and warm light. Taking portraits of friends in a park during this time will make their skin look beautiful.
Soft light also has the effect of softening shadows and evenly illuminating the entire scene. When taking pictures of a lunch box, try using natural light on a cloudy day. The entire dish will appear evenly bright, and the colors will look natural.
Artificial Light
Artificial light is a light source using strobes or lamps. For example, when taking pictures of pets indoors at night, the ceiling light alone may be too dim. In such cases, use a strobe or desk lamp to supplement the brightness. This will allow you to capture the expressions and fur of your pets beautifully.
Strong light creates sharp shadows. By effectively using strong strobe light, you can take chic and high-design photos. It is recommended for black-and-white photography when you want to clearly define contrasts.
The Direction of Lighting and Image
Once you have knowledge about the basics of light, mastering the direction of light is the next step. By understanding the three directions of light, you might be able to take photos that match your image.
Front Light
Front light is light that hits the subject from the front. Think of the light used when taking ID photos. Similarly, when taking family photos, if everyone lines up facing the sun, all faces will be evenly bright. It's recommended when you want to create a bright and straightforward image.
Backlight
Light that hits the subject from behind is called backlight. Using backlight can make the outline of the subject glow, creating a dreamy atmosphere. It also has the characteristic of making the front side of the subject appear darker. For example, when taking silhouette photos on the beach in the evening, a beautiful light border should form around the subject.
Side Light
Side light refers to light that hits the subject from an angle. It's often used in slightly cool city snaps. When taking portraits of friends in the city, using light that hits from an angle (side light) can emphasize the contours and three-dimensionality of the face. Try utilizing light that filters through gaps between buildings.
By making light your ally, you can significantly enhance the expressive power of your photos. First, understand the basics and find the lighting that suits your style. Even beginners can take professional-like photos with a little creativity. We hope your works will shine even brighter.
