Unit Six : The Art of Photography
Artificial light refers to any light source that is not naturally occurring, such as lamps, flashlights, or studio lights. Unlike natural light, artificial light offers photographers greater control over intensity, direction, and color temperature. In later lessons we will look at more advanced studio set-ups, but for now, we’re going to keep it simple focusing on what artificial light is and how you can use it even without a huge set up (or even without a simple speed light!)
Chelsea London © 2019 | Fujifilm XT-1 | 56.0 mm | ƒ/3.6 | 1/180s | ISO 200Types of Artificial Light
When it comes to light in photography, you have two main options: continuous lighting and flash/strobe lighting. Continuous lighting offers a steady stream of illumination, allowing you to see and adjust the lighting setup in real-time. This type of lighting is particularly useful in studio settings and videography, where you need consistent lighting throughout the shoot for precise control over the scene.
On the other hand, flash or strobe lighting provides a quick burst of intense light, perfect for freezing fast-moving subjects or adding dynamic effects to your images. This type of lighting is popular in portrait photography and outdoor shoots where additional light is required to fill in shadows or create a specific mood. Understanding the characteristics and applications of both continuous and flash/strobe lighting will empower you to make informed decisions and elevate the quality of your photographs.
Jefferson Gomes via UnsplashManipulating Artificial Light
Manipulating artificial light in photography involves several techniques to control and enhance the lighting conditions for desired effects. One crucial aspect is adjusting the intensity of the light. This can be done by changing the distance between the light source and the subject or using dimmers for adjustable lighting setups. By varying the intensity, you can create different moods and atmospheres in your photographs, from soft and subtle lighting to bold and dramatic effects.
Another important technique is modifying the quality of light. This can be achieved using diffusers, reflectors, or specific modifiers like softboxes and umbrellas. These tools help soften harsh shadows and create a more flattering light on the subject. By controlling light quality, photographers can enhance textures, reveal details, and create a visually appealing balance of light and shadow.
Additionally, playing with color temperature adds another layer of creativity to artificial lighting. Different light sources have varying color temperatures, from warm (yellow/orange) to cool (blue). Understanding color temperature allows photographers to match the artificial light with ambient lighting for a natural look or creatively alter the mood of their photographs. This manipulation of color temperature can evoke different emotions and enhance the overall storytelling in photography, making it a powerful tool in the photographer's toolkit.
Modifiers for Artificial Light
Here are some common light modifiers that can be used with artificial light in photography:
Softboxes: These are large fabric boxes that diffuse and soften the light, producing a flattering, even illumination with reduced harsh shadows.
Umbrellas: Reflective and shoot-through umbrellas can be used to bounce or diffuse light, respectively, creating a softer and more diffused lighting effect.
Reflectors: Reflectors bounce light onto the subject, filling in shadows and adding a subtle, flattering glow to the scene.
Grids: Grids are attachments that control the spread of light, focusing it in a narrower beam to create more controlled and directed lighting.
Beauty dishes: These are bowl-shaped modifiers that produce a soft yet slightly contrasty light, often used in portrait photography to create a pleasing, flattering effect on the subject's skin.
Snoots: Snoots narrow the beam of light, creating a spotlight effect and highlighting specific areas or subjects in the frame.
Diffusion panels: These panels are placed in front of the light source to scatter and soften the light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a gentle, diffused lighting effect.
Gels: Gels are colored filters that can be placed over the light source to add color effects or correct color temperature, allowing for creative lighting variations and adjustments.
A fun way to learn about modifiers in photography is to focus on catchlights in fashion or portrait photos. Take a close look at the subject's eyes and observe the shape of the catchlight. Is it an octagon or a perfect circle? Try to identify the modifier used based on the reflection visible in the subject's eye. This exercise can help you understand how different modifiers affect the light and create distinctive catchlights.