January 17, 2007

UNDERSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHY LIGHT

By Shelly Perry, in Portland, OR

Way back when, before the dawn of the digital age and "auto everything" cameras, learning the art of photography was a bit more complex than it is today.

Today’s digital cameras automatically adjust for lots of things you once had to understand and adjust for manually. That's nice. But there is a downside: When you want to have more control over your photos, you discover you don't know enough to manipulate your equipment and images.

So, I thought it would be a good idea to start the year off with a few basics. Today I'm going to give you a quick lesson on light and how it works with your camera (photography light)…

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Without light there is no image (in traditional photography, that is -- I'm not referring to infrared, x-ray, or things like that).  Photography is based on “capturing” light.

Simply put, exposures are made from light striking the “light-sensitive surface.” This can be achieved in a number of ways -- from a simple box with a pinhole in it (a pinhole camera) to the more advanced and elaborate digital cameras on the market today.

Understanding Photography Light 

Not all light is created equal, however -- not in quality, quantity, color, or other attributes. That’s the reason most cameras have an "auto" mode or a program dial that allows you to choose a setting based on light. There are settings for sunshine, clouds, shade, and sometimes for ambient or indoor light.

Each of these modes is designed to respond to a certain quality of light.

Take a look at this picture, for instance…

It was submitted for this month’s photo contest, the theme of which is “Blood, Sweat and Tears.”

You can see the difference between the direct sunlight, which is shining in the background, and the shade, which the soccer players are in. Notice that there's a big difference in the color of the light.

The Difference between Warm and Cool Light

The direct sun is a much warmer light with a color shift more to the yellows and reds. By contrast, the light in the shade is cooler, more cyan, blue, or sometimes green.

The direct sunlight is a harsher light, though, with harder-edged shadows, which is why it’s rarely good for people photos. Shade provides a softer, less-harsh light, and it creates less shadowing under your model’s nose and eyes and is, therefore, better for people shots. (That said, you have to be aware of the color shift in shadow -- shade can turn people’s skin strange hues.)

For now, using the shade mode on your camera should help alleviate that.

Sunshine and shade are just two of many kinds of light sources, each with its own characteristics of quality, quantity, color, shadow. This week, begin to pay more attention to the quality of light in your pictures and to the source of light.

Start to identify the characteristics of the light you use most. And then try a few others, experiment a little. If you discover you usually shoot pictures in full sunlight, go out in search of more shade. Take notes about what "works" and what doesn't, and you'll begin to understand the dynamics and variations of light, which will have a very positive impact not only on the quality of your photos, but on the speed with which you're able to react in certain light situations to compensate for -- or take smart advantage of -- certain lighting.

ENTER TO WIN!

For more information about our Photo contest click here and register to win.  

First-time users should register first on the "register" link on the right side bar.  Once you have a username and password, click "Enter to Win" to upload your photos.  Only one photo per applicant will be considered.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: From Portland, Oregon, Shelly Perry's specialty is people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits. She is known especially for her imaging of children. Her concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces.  Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, websites, ad campaigns, and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.

Click here to learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash]

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