Introduction to Photography, Part 4: Lighting
Lighting is a crucial part of photography. It helps to create the desired mood and atmosphere in a photograph. This part of the Introduction to Photography covers the basics of lighting for photography, as well as the different types of lighting available to a photographer.
Types of Lighting
There are three main types of lighting used in photography. Ambient lighting, which is the natural light available in an environment; Flash lighting, which is a light source created by a flash unit; and Continuous lighting, which is a light source that is always “on” such as a light bulb.
Light Modifiers
Light modifiers are tools used to modify the light coming from its source. Examples of light modifiers include softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors. These are used to create softer light, and to help control the direction and intensity of the light.
Light Metering
Light metering is a way of measuring the intensity of light. It is used to determine the correct exposure settings for a photograph. Light meters measure the amount of light in a scene and help the photographer decide on the best aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings for the desired result.
White Balance
White balance is the process of adjusting the colours of a scene to ensure that the whites appear as true white. White balance is important to ensure that the colours in the photograph appear accurate to the eye. Different types of light have different colour temperatures, and white balancing helps to create a consistent colour in a scene.
Conclusion
This part of the Introduction to Photography covers the basics of lighting for photography. Lighting is a crucial part of creating a successful photograph, and understanding the different types of lighting available will help you to create the desired mood of a scene. Light modifiers, light metering, and white balance are all important tools that will help to improve your photographs.
