Lighting
John 8:12
Let the wise listen and add to their learning.
Just as photographers depend on light to reveal what is in front of the camera, Yeshua used light to describe the truth and direction He brings. As photographers, we can remember that light changes what we see and how we see it.
Focus: Natural vs. Artificial Light
Light is one of the most important parts of photography. The word photography means “drawing with light.” Without light, your camera cannot create a photograph.
Today, we are going to learn how different types of light can completely change the way a photo looks and feels.
What Is Natural Light?
Natural light comes from the sun.
You can find natural light:
- Outside in direct sunlight
- Outside in the shade
- Coming through a window
- During sunrise or sunset
- On a cloudy day
Natural light changes throughout the day. Morning and evening light is often softer and warmer, while midday sunlight can be bright and create strong shadows.
Try this: Look at someone's face near a window. Then have them move away from the window. What happens to the brightness and shadows?
What Is Artificial Light?
Artificial light is light created by something other than the sun.
Examples include:
- Lamps
- Ceiling lights
- Flash
- LED lights
- Studio lights
- Phone flashlights
- Computer or TV screens
Artificial light gives photographers more control. You can often decide where to put the light, how close it should be, and which direction it should come from.
Direction of Light
Pay attention to where the light is coming from.
Front lighting: The light is in front of your subject. The subject is usually evenly lit with fewer shadows.
Side lighting: The light comes from one side. This creates shadows and can make a photograph look more dramatic or three-dimensional.
Backlighting: The light is behind your subject. This can create a glowing effect or turn your subject into a silhouette.
Hard Light vs. Soft Light
Hard light creates strong, dark shadows with noticeable edges. Bright midday sunlight and a direct flash can produce hard light.
Soft light creates gentler shadows and smoother transitions between light and dark. Window light, cloudy skies, and light passing through a diffuser can create soft light.
In-Class Activity: Lighting Challenge
Take photographs of the same subject using several different lighting conditions.
Try:
- Window light
- Indoor artificial light
- Outdoor sunlight
- Outdoor shade
- Light coming from the side
- Light coming from behind the subject
Afterward, compare your photographs. Look at the brightness, shadows, colors, mood, and details in each image.
Discuss: Which lighting made your subject look best? Why?
Photography Tip
Before taking a picture, don't only ask, “What am I photographing?”
Also ask, “Where is my light coming from?”
Learning to notice light before you press the shutter will help you become a stronger photographer.
Homework: 3 Types of Light
Take 3 different photographs, each using a different type of lighting:
Photo 1: Window light
Photo 2: Indoor artificial light
Photo 3: Outdoor natural light
For each photograph, pay attention to the direction of the light and the shadows it creates.
Goal: Don't just take three pictures. Experiment with the light and choose the photograph that looks best in each lighting condition.
Submit your 3 favorite photos.