STILL

PHOTOGRAPHY
SEMESTER 2
UNIT 3

HI COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
UNIT

HI COLLEGE
 SOURCES OF LIGHT: NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL
Sources of Light in Photography can be categorized into two main types:
Natural and Artificial. They significantly influence the final image's appearance
and mood.

1. Natural Light Sources:

Natural light refers to the sunlight that comes from the sun. It is the most
common and accessible light source for photographers. Natural light can be
further divided into two types:

a) Direct Sunlight:
This light is unfiltered and comes directly from the sun. It can create strong
shadows, high contrast, and dramatic effects. A typical example of direct
sunlight is a portrait taken on a sunny day with the sun behind the
photographer. The subject's face might be brightly lit, while the background
could be dark.

b) Diffused or Soft Light:

This light occurs when sunlight passes through a medium like clouds, fog, or a
diffuser. It creates a more even and softer light, reducing harsh shadows and
high contrast. A classic example of diffused light is a landscape photographed
on an overcast day. The light wraps around the subject, providing a balanced
and pleasing image.

2. Artificial Light Sources:

Artificial light refers to any light source created by humans, such as lamps,
flashlights, or studio lights. Artificial light can be further categorized into
various types based on their characteristics:

a) Incandescent Light:
These are traditional light bulbs that produce light by heating a filament. They
emit a warm, yellowish light. An example of incandescent light in photography
is a portrait shot in a dimly lit room using a table lamp as the main light source.

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 b) Fluorescent Light:
These lights use a gas-discharge tube to produce light. They 0emit a cooler,
bluish light. A common example of fluorescent light in photography is a
studio setup using long tubes as the primary light source for a product shot.

c) LED Light:
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are energy-efficient and produce a wide range
of colors. They can be used as continuous lights or strobes in photography.
An example of LED light usage is a fashion shoot where LED panels are used
as the

c) LED Light:
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are energy-efficient and produce a wide range
of colors. They can be used as continuous lights or strobes in photography.
An example of LED light usage is a fashion shoot where LED panels are used
as the

Nature and Physical Properties of Light

1. Nature of Light:

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which includes a wide range of

wavelengths. Visible light is just a small portion of the entire electromagnetic
spectrum, ranging from approximately 380 to 750 nanometers. This visible
light spectrum is further divided into colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green,
blue, indigo, and violet, which we perceive due to the presence of different
photoreceptor cells in our eyes.

Example: When capturing a sunset, the warm colors like red, orange, and
yellow are more prominent because the longer wavelengths of light (red) are
scattered less by the Earth's atmosphere compared to shorter wavelengths
(blue). This results in the beautiful warm tones we often see in sunset
photographs.

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2. Physical Properties of Light:

a) Wavelength:
The distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a light wave
is known as its wavelength. The wavelength determines the color of
light, with shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher energy and
longer wavelengths corresponding to lower energy.

Example: In photography, using colored gels or filters can alter the wavelength
of light, allowing photographers to manipulate colors in their images. For
instance, placing a blue gel over a light source will change the color
temperature of the light, making the scene appear bluer in the final
photograph.

b) Intensity:
The amount of light energy per unit area is known as its intensity. Intensity can
be affected by factors such as the distance from the light source, the size of
the light source, and the angle at which the light strikes a surface.

Example: In portrait photography, photographers often use a softbox or

umbrella to diffuse light, increasing its size and reducing the intensity of
shadows. This creates a more flattering and even light on the subject's face

c) Direction:
Light can travel in various directions, including parallel (direct), perpendicular,
or oblique (angled). The direction of light plays a crucial role in creating
different effects in photographs, such as highlights, shadows, and reflections
.

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 THREE POINT LIGHTING: KEY, FILL AND BACK
1. Key Light:
The key light is the primary light source in the scene, and it's responsible for
illuminating the main subject and providing the majority of the light. The key
light helps to create shape, form, and dimension on the subject's face or object.
It's typically positioned at an angle between 30 to 60 degrees from the subject,
depending on the desired effect. For example, if you want a dramatic look, you
might place the key light at a more extreme angle (around 45 degrees), creating
strong shadows and high contrast. In contrast, a softer, more evenly lit image
would have the key light placed closer to a 45-degree angle.

2. Fill Light:
The fill light is used to soften the shadows created by the key light. It's usually
placed opposite the key light, often at a 90-degree angle, and its intensity is
adjusted to balance the overall lighting. The fill light helps to reduce harsh
shadows and create a more natural-looking image. For instance, if the key light
is positioned on the left side of the subject, the fill light would be on the right
side. The fill light can also be diffused using a softbox or reflector to create an
even softer effect.

3. Backlight:
The backlight, also known as the rim light or hair light, is placed behind the
subject and adds depth and dimension by separating the subject from the
background. It also highlights the edges of the subject, creating a beautiful,
glowing effect. The backlight can be used to add a sense of drama or to
emphasize the subject's hair, for example. The intensity and position of the
backlight

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 LIGHTING AESTHETICS: CONTROLLING
CONTRAST THROUGH LIGHTING
Lighting Aesthetics:

Controlling Contrast through Lighting in Still Photography. Controlling

contrast through lighting is an essential aspect of photography, as it helps to
create a balance between the highlights and shadows in a photograph. This
balance, also known as contrast.

1. Hard Light vs. Soft Light:

Hard light creates strong shadows and high contrast, while soft light produces
gentle shadows and lower contrast. By adjusting the size and distance of the
light source, you can control the quality of light falling on your subject. For
example, using a small light source close to the subject will result in hard light,
while a large light source placed further away will create soft light.

2. Direction of Light:
The direction of light can also influence contrast. Light coming from a frontal
direction will create even illumination with minimal contrast, while side
lighting will create more dramatic shadows and higher contrast. For instance,
in portrait photography, a Rembrandt lighting setup (light coming from the
side at a 45-degree angle) can create a striking contrast between the
illuminated side of the face and the shadowed side, adding depth and
character to the image.

3. Light Modifiers:
Using light modifiers, such as umbrellas, softboxes, or diffusers, can help soften
the light and reduce contrast. These tools spread the light over a larger area,
creating a more even distribution and minimizing the harsh shadows that
contribute to high contrast. For example, using a softbox to light a product
photograph can help eliminate harsh shadows and create a more polished,
professional-looking image.

4. Multiple Light Sources:

Incorporating multiple light sources can help control contrast by providing
additional illumination in specific areas of the image.

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