Using Available Light
Direction and Diffusion
Direction of Light
• Light also produces shadows
– Shadows emphasize texture and volume of
objects being photographed.
• Important to notice camera position in relation to light
source and shadows.
• Variations can produce radically different feel.
– Back Lighting
– Front Lighting
– Side Lighting
Back Lighting
• Light in scene comes towards the camera from
behind the subject.
• Can create Rim Lighting:
(Rim lighting is a Bright Outline around the subject)
• Shadows cast in front of subject
• Can make translucent objects glow
Front Lighting
• Light comes from behind the camera, toward the
subject
• Subject is lit evenly
• Minimal Shadows are visible
• Details in image can be seen clearly
• BUT volume and texture less prominent
• Typical results from using a flash in addition to
available light situations
Side Lighting
• Light comes toward side of subject/camera
• Shadows cast at the opposite side of subject
• Typically emphasizes Texture
• Golden Hour
– The sun is at low angle in morning and evening
creating long racking shadows.
– Also, works well for back lighting.
Diffused Lighting
Degree of diffusion affects quality of light.
It can range from High Contrast and Hard
Edged to Soft and Diffused.
Direct Light
• Creates hard edges and dark shadows
– Possibility of Images with extreme Contrast,
depending on intensity
• Created from a single light source
– Spotlight
– The Sun
Diffused Light
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Scatters onto subject from many directions
Direction of Light is not visible
Little to no shadows
Contrast is reduced
All parts of scene visible
• Cloudy Day, Underneath a large shadow
• Beautiful light for portraits
Directional-Diffused Light
• Partially direct with some diffused light rays
• Comes from a definite direction and creates distinct
shadows
• BUT Edges on shadows are softer than those of
direct light-Shadows still have detail.
• Sources: indoors, windows, doorways