Lighting

Lighting

The eye is far more sensitive to lighting changes than a camera.

Lighting can be used to highlight and pick out important details.

Contrast

• In bright light conditions there can be conflict in settings used. High contrast leads to loss of detail. 

• Contrast is the difference between the lightest and darkest areas

• High contrast can be used for dramatic effect

• Use lighting to balance contrast

Quality

Light can either be hard or soft. Hard light throws hard-edged shadows. Soft light softens the edge between light and shadows.

• Diffusing the light source or moving it further back will make soft light

• Bright sunlight gives hard light and hard shadows

• A cloudy sky gives soft light and soft shadows

• Small intense lamps make hard light

Direction

• The direction of hard light can give clues to the mood or time of day 

• Increasing the angle increases the drama 

• Soft light is harder to control and the direction is less important

• Blue light can be used to signify moonlight, but is should be directed from above and behind to be convincing