COM3205

Photography -
Lighting
Get ready!
Image Capture
Cameras

1. Single-Lens Reflex (SLR):

 Description: In an SLR camera, a single
lens is used both for composing the
image and capturing it. When you
look through the viewfinder, you're
seeing exactly what the lens sees.
When you take a photo, the mirror
flips up, and the image is captured on
film or a digital sensor.
 Image-Capture Format: Film (various
sizes including 35mm, medium
format, large format) or Digital Sensor.
2. Optical Viewfinders:
 The two main types of viewfinders are
pentaprisms and pentamirrors. A
pentaprism, found on professional-
grade DSLRs, uses a prism to redirect
the light from the lens to the
viewfinder. Pentaprisms are a higher
quality than pentamirrors, which
redirect the light through a series of
mirrors. Pentaprisms provide a
brighter image in the viewfinder than
pentamirrors. Pentamirrors are
generally found on entry-level DSLRs
and are constructed of plastic (instead
of glass) because it is cheaper to mass Pentaprism left, Pentamirror right
produce.
3. Rangefinder Camera:
 Description: Rangefinder cameras use
a different focusing mechanism than
SLRs or viewfinders. They have a
separate optical rangefinder for
focusing, which provides a split-image
focusing patch.
 Image-Capture Format: Film
(commonly 35mm) or Digital Sensor.
Image Capture
Cameras

1. Mirrorless camera:
 Mirrorless cameras capture images
without the use of a mirror in the
camera body. This is different from
DSLR cameras, which reflect
images into viewfinders via
mirrors. Instead, mirrorless
cameras often use electronic
viewfinders (EVF) to display
images digitally.
 The name mirrorless can be a bit
confusing since many types of
digital cameras already don’t use
mirrors. Digital point-and-shoots,
rangefinders such as the legendary
Leica, and even your smartphone’s
camera are all technically
mirrorless. But the
term mirrorless now mainly refers
to cameras with interchangeable
lens systems.
2. Electronic Viewfinders:
 Apart from size, the electronic
viewfinder is the most obvious
difference from DSLRs. EVFs show
a digital rendering of the frame,
which shows you what the
exposure will look like in real time
as you adjust the settings. “You
can review your image in the
viewfinder, which saves a lot of
time during shoots,” says
photographer Alex McGregor.
“You can also customize what
information is displayed in the
EVF,” he adds.
Image Capture
Camera Formats

1. 35mm Format:
 Description: This is a standard film
format that is 35mm wide. It's one
of the most popular formats in film
photography, known for its
balance between image quality
and portability.
 Image-Capture Format: Film
(35mm).
2. Medium Format:
 Description: Medium format
cameras use larger film or sensors
compared to 35mm, resulting in
higher resolution and better image
quality. They are favored in
professional photography,
especially for portraits and
landscapes.
 Image-Capture Format: Film (120
or 220 roll film) or Digital Sensor.
3. Large Format:
 Description: Large format cameras
use sheet film or individual digital
sensors that are significantly larger
than 35mm or medium format.
They are known for extremely high
image quality and precise control
over perspective.
 Image-Capture Format: Film
(various sheet film sizes) or Digital
Sensor.
Image Capture
Camera Formats

1. Raw Format:

 Description: Raw format refers to

unprocessed image data captured
by a digital camera sensor. It
contains all the information
captured by the sensor and offers
the highest quality and flexibility
for post-processing.

 File Format: Various proprietary

raw formats (e.g., .NEF for Nikon,
.CR2 for Canon).

2. Bitmap (Raster) Image:

 Description: A bitmap image is

composed of a grid of pixels,
where each pixel is assigned a
specific color value. It's a common
format for digital images, but it
doesn't scale well because it can
lose quality if resized.

 File Format: Common formats

include .BMP, .JPEG, .PNG, and
.TIFF.

3. 70mm Format (IMAX):

 Description: IMAX is a large-

format film system that uses
70mm film stock for incredibly
high-resolution images. It's
primarily used for IMAX cinemas.

 Image-Capture Format: Film

(70mm).
Job Applications
Photojournalism

Applications:
• Single-Lens Reflex (SLR): SLR
cameras are versatile and can
handle a wide range of
situations. They are excellent
for fast-paced environments
where quick adjustments to
settings may be necessary. The
through-the-lens viewfinder
provides an accurate
representation of the scene.
• Digital Camera (DSLR or
Mirrorless): Digital cameras
are popular among
photojournalists due to their
convenience and the ability to
instantly review and transmit
images. Mirrorless cameras, in
particular, are gaining
popularity for their compact
size and advanced features.
• Medium Format: While not as
common in photojournalism,
medium format cameras can
be used for documentary-style
work where higher resolution
and image quality are desired.
Job Applications
Portraiture

Applications :
• Single-Lens Reflex (SLR):
SLR cameras provide
excellent control over
depth of field, allowing for
pleasing background blur
(bokeh). They are versatile
and can handle various
lighting conditions.
• Medium Format: Medium
format cameras are often
preferred for portrait
photography due to their
larger sensors, which result
in higher resolution and
better image quality. They
produce detailed and sharp
portraits with a distinctive
look.
• Rangefinder: Some
photographers prefer
rangefinder cameras for
portraiture because they
are lightweight, quiet, and
have a different focusing
mechanism that can be
advantageous for capturing
candid moments.
Job Applications
Product Advertising

Applications :
• Medium Format: Medium
format cameras are often
used in product
photography, especially for
high-end products. The
larger sensor size provides
exceptional detail and
color reproduction, which
is crucial for showcasing
products in the best
possible light.
• Digital Camera (DSLR or
Mirrorless): High-end
digital cameras with large
sensors and high-
resolution capabilities are
also commonly used for
product advertising. They
offer flexibility in terms of
lighting setups and post-
processing options.
• Large Format: Large format
cameras can be used for
highly detailed product
shots, especially for large
items or when extreme
detail is required.
Job Applications
Landscape Photography

Applications :
• Medium Format:
Landscape photographers
often opt for medium
format cameras for their
superior image quality,
dynamic range, and the
ability to capture intricate
details in vast landscapes.
• Large Format: Large
format cameras are well-
suited for landscape
photography due to their
precise control over
perspective and the
ability to use tilt-shift
movements for optimal
focus.
• Digital Camera (DSLR or
Mirrorless): High-
resolution digital cameras
with a range of lenses are
widely used for landscape
photography, providing
versatility and
convenience.
 Theory and Operations
Lighting Sources
1. Sunlight:
• Characteristics: Natural sunlight provides a
full spectrum of colors and is considered the
standard for natural lighting. It changes in
color temperature throughout the day, with
warmer tones during sunrise and sunset, and
cooler tones at midday.
• Effect: Sunlight can create strong shadows
and highlights, providing a sense of depth and
dimension. It can also produce a warm,
inviting atmosphere during golden hours.
2. Tungsten (Incandescent):
• Characteristics: Tungsten bulbs emit a warm,
orange-red light. They have a lower color
temperature (around 2700K) compared to
natural daylight.
• Effect: Tungsten lighting can create a cozy and
intimate ambiance. It tends to make colors
appear warmer and can cast strong, warm-
toned shadows.
3. Fluorescent:
• Characteristics: Fluorescent lights come in
different color temperatures, ranging from
warm to cool. They are more energy-efficient
than tungsten bulbs.
• Effect: Depending on the specific type of
fluorescent bulb, the light can range from
warm to cool. Some types can cast a greenish
tint, which may need to be corrected for
accurate color reproduction.
4. LED (Light Emitting Diode):
• Characteristics: LED lights have become
increasingly popular due to their energy
efficiency and versatility. They come in various
color temperatures, including warm, neutral,
and cool tones.
• Effect: LED lighting can be adjusted to mimic
natural daylight or other lighting conditions.
They are often used in professional
photography and videography for their
controllability and color accuracy.
Theory and Operations
Lighting Sources

1. Halogen:
• Characteristics: Halogen bulbs
produce a bright, white light with a
color temperature similar to
natural daylight (around 3200K to
3500K).
• Effect: Halogen lighting is known
for its high color rendering index
(CRI), which means it accurately
represents colors. It can provide a
clean, crisp illumination.
2. Strobe/Flash:
• Characteristics: Electronic flash
units produce a short burst of
intense light with a very high color
temperature. They can freeze
motion and provide consistent
lighting in controlled
environments.
• Effect: Flash photography provides
sharp, well-defined shadows and
highlights. It's often used in studio
settings or when additional light is
needed to balance out or
overpower ambient light.
3. HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide):
• Characteristics: HMI lights are a
type of metal halide lamp used in
professional lighting setups. They
produce a bright, daylight-
balanced light.
• Effect: HMI lights are commonly
used in film and television
production to mimic natural
daylight. They provide a clean,
consistent source of light with a
high CRI.
4. Candlelight:
• Characteristics: Candlelight emits
a warm, soft light with a low color
temperature.
• Effect: Candlelight creates a
romantic and intimate
atmosphere. It can cast soft,
flattering shadows, but it may not
provide enough illumination for
detailed photography without
additional lighting.
Theory and Operations
Kelvin Ratings
Description:
Kelvin ratings refer to the color temperature of light sources, measured in degrees
Kelvin (K). It indicates the color appearance of light emitted by a source. Lower Kelvin
values (around 2000K to 4000K) represent warmer, more reddish light, while higher
values (around 5000K to 10000K) represent cooler, bluer light.
Application:
White balance is the adjustment of colors in a photograph to ensure that white
objects appear truly white, regardless of the color temperature of the light source.
This is crucial for accurate color reproduction. For example, if you're shooting under
warm tungsten light (around 3200K), you would set your camera's white balance to
Tungsten or adjust it manually to correct for the orange cast.
Theory and Operations
Inverse-Square Law
Description:
The inverse-square law is a principle in physics that describes how the intensity
of light or any other form of energy changes with distance from the source. It
states that the intensity of light is inversely proportional to the square of the
distance from the source.
Application:
Photographic Lighting - This law is fundamental in understanding how light
behaves in photography. It means that when you move a light source closer to
your subject, the light becomes more intense (and vice versa). This can be used
creatively to control the exposure and shadows in your images.
Theory and Operations
Incident and Reflective Light
Description:
Incident Light: This refers to the light that falls directly onto a subject. Incident light is measured using a light meter
held at the subject's position. It provides an accurate reading of the light falling on the subject, regardless of the
subject's color or reflectivity.

Reflective Light: This refers to the light that is bounced off a subject and then captured by the camera. When you
take a light meter reading off a subject or use the camera's built-in light meter, you're measuring reflective light.
Reflective light readings are affected by the subject's color and texture.

Application:
Incident Light: It's particularly useful for getting precise exposure measurements, especially in studio or controlled
lighting environments. Photographers use handheld light meters to measure the intensity of the light falling on a
subject.

Reflective Light: Reflective light readings are used more commonly in everyday photography, where you're metering
the light that's bouncing off the subject. The camera's built-in light meter measures the light reflecting off the scene
and helps you set the proper exposure settings.
Theory and Operations
Light Meters
Built-In Light Meters:
Description: Built-in light meters are integrated into most modern cameras. They measure the light
reflecting off the scene and help you determine the appropriate exposure settings (shutter speed,
aperture, ISO) for a well-exposed image.
Usage: To use a built-in light meter, you typically point your camera towards the subject, half-press the
shutter button, and the camera will provide a suggested exposure value (EV) or display a visual indicator
in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen. You can then adjust your settings based on this reading.
Considerations:
• Built-in meters are convenient and can provide accurate readings in many situations,
especially when the lighting is relatively consistent.
• However, they may struggle in high-contrast scenes or when there are strong
backlighting conditions.
Handheld Light Meters:
Description: Handheld light meters are independent devices that measure incident light falling directly
on the subject. They provide precise exposure readings, regardless of the subject's color or reflectivity.
Usage: To use a handheld light meter, you place it at the subject's position and aim it towards the
camera. The meter will provide an accurate exposure reading, which you can then apply to your camera
settings.
Considerations:
• Handheld light meters are especially useful in studio settings or situations with
controlled lighting. They offer more control and accuracy than built-in meters.
• They are also essential for large format photography and other scenarios where precise
exposure is critical.
Theory and Operations
Gray Cards
Description: Gray cards are neutral-colored cards with a standardized 18% reflectance value. They
provide a known reference point for exposure and color balance in a scene.
Usage: To use a gray card, you place it in the same lighting conditions as your subject and take a
meter reading off it using your camera's built-in meter or a handheld light meter. This reading can
then be used as a reference for setting the correct exposure.
Considerations:
• Gray cards are particularly useful in situations where the lighting conditions may
confuse the camera's meter, such as mixed or unusual lighting sources.
• They are also valuable for achieving accurate color reproduction, especially in
situations where color accuracy is critical.
Using Gray Cards for Custom White Balance:
In addition to exposure, gray cards can be used to set a custom white balance. By
photographing a gray card under the same lighting conditions as your subject and then using
that image to set a custom white balance in your camera or post-processing software, you can
ensure accurate color reproduction.
Theory and Operations
Flash Lighting Devices
On-Camera Flash:
Description: This is the built-in or
external flash unit that attaches directly
to the camera's hot shoe. It provides a
burst of artificial light to illuminate the
scene.
Application: On-camera flash is useful
in situations where additional light is
needed, such as indoor events, low-
light environments, or when filling in
shadows in outdoor portraits.
External Flash Units:
Description: These are portable flash
units that can be mounted on the
camera's hot shoe or used off-camera.
They are more powerful than built-in
flashes and offer more control over the
direction of light.
Application: External flash units are
versatile and can be used for various
types of photography, including
portrait, event, and studio
photography. They are commonly used
in professional setups.
Studio Strobe Lights:
Description: Studio strobe lights are
powerful, adjustable flash units
designed for studio photography. They
come in various power outputs and
often have features like modeling lights
and adjustable flash durations.
Application: Studio strobes are used in
controlled environments, like studios,
where precise control over lighting is
essential for achieving the desired look
and mood in portraits, fashion, product,
and commercial photography.
Ring Flash:
Description: A ring flash is a circular-
shaped flash unit that fits around the
camera's lens. It provides even,
shadow-free lighting, especially for
close-up photography.
Application: Ring flashes are commonly
used in macro photography, portrait
photography (creating distinctive
catchlights in the eyes), and
medical/dental photography.
Theory and Operations
Flash Lighting Devices

Speedlights (Hot Shoe Flashes):

Description: Speedlights are compact,
lightweight external flash units that can
be mounted on the camera's hot shoe
or used off-camera with the help of
triggers or wireless systems. They are
known for their portability and
versatility.
Application: Speedlights are favored by
event and wedding photographers for
their portability and quick setup. They
are also used for on-location portrait
photography and fill flash in outdoor
settings.
LED Continuous Lights with Flash
Capability:
Description: Some LED continuous
lights come with a flash mode that
allows them to emit a short, high-
intensity burst of light, simulating a
traditional flash.
Application: These lights can be used
for both continuous lighting setups (like
video) and for still photography when a
flash is needed. They are versatile and
can serve dual purposes.
Wireless Flash Triggers and Receivers:
Description: These are devices that
allow you to trigger off-camera flashes
wirelessly. They come in various forms,
including radio transmitters and
receivers.
Application: Wireless triggers enable
you to position flashes strategically
around your subject or scene, providing
more control over lighting angles,
direction, and ratios.
Studio Lighting Techniques
Rembrandt
Description: Rembrandt lighting is a classic portrait lighting technique
named after the Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn, who often used
this style in his paintings. It involves positioning the main light at a
45-degree angle to the subject and slightly higher than eye level. This
creates a triangle of light on the subject's cheek opposite the light
source.
Effect: Rembrandt lighting produces a dramatic and moody look with
a distinctive triangular highlight on the shadowed side of the face. It's
often used for portraits that aim to convey depth and emotion.
Studio Lighting Techniques
Paramount

Description: Paramount lighting, also known as butterfly lighting,

involves positioning the main light directly in front of and slightly
above the subject. This creates a small, butterfly-shaped shadow
under the nose.
Effect: Paramount lighting provides a soft and even illumination
across the subject's face, minimizing shadows. It's often used in
classic and glamour portraits to create a flattering, youthful
appearance.
Studio Lighting Techniques
Bounce

Description: Bounce lighting involves directing a light source

(often a flash or studio strobe) towards a reflective surface, like a
wall, ceiling, or reflector panel, instead of directly at the subject.
The reflected light then illuminates the subject indirectly.
Effect: Bounce lighting creates soft, diffused illumination with
reduced harsh shadows. It's useful for achieving a natural and
even look, especially in environments with limited space or when
a softer, more flattering light is desired.
Studio Lighting Techniques
Three-Point Lighting
Description: Three-point lighting is a versatile setup that uses three separate light sources to
illuminate a subject. It consists of:
• Key Light: The primary light source, positioned at a 45-degree angle to the
subject. It provides the main illumination and sets the overall exposure.
• Fill Light: Placed on the opposite side of the key light, it helps reduce shadows
and provides even illumination.
• Backlight (or Rim Light): Positioned behind and slightly above the subject, it
adds separation and highlights the edges of the subject, creating a sense of
depth.
Effect: Three-point lighting allows for precise control over the subject's lighting, emphasizing
their form and creating a sense of dimension. It's widely used in various genres of
photography, including portraits, product, and video production.