Photography Lighting Tips & Tricks

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    • Using higher ISO settings can ensure correct exposure for low-light shots.landscape image by jae young from Fotolia.com

      Photography is, in essence, the capturing of light and shadow. Buying expensive studio equipment does not always achieve the best results. Experimenting with everyday household objects to change the quality of the light of the shot can be hugely rewarding. Also, digital imaging allows for much greater editing capabilities; after uploading digital photographs to a computer, you can use editing software to adjust the lighting in your photographs and reduce any distortion or noise.

    Natural Environment

    • The atmosphere of your photo is greatly affected by light levels and the position of the light source. If you are taking your photographs outside, unless you want to create a more somber, subdued atmosphere, try taking your shots with bright, vibrant skies instead of overcast, pale, gray skies. Obviously, this is not always possible if you are taking opportunistic shots, but if you are photographing permanent fixtures, such as rock formations, having the patience to wait for the right time will greatly enhance your final images.

    Natural Light and Shade

    • Natural lighting provides more of a challenge, as shadows move and change shape with the sun. When arriving on location, check where the shadows are lying. If you find you cannot achieve the desired lighting effect, have patience, and wait while the shadows move and change, then take another shot.

    ISO

    • If shooting with a digital camera there will be a selection of different ISO (light sensitivity) settings. It is advisable to experiment with ISO settings. Higher light sensitivity allows correct exposure of low-light shots but increase noise and distortion. To an extent, the noise can be reduced on an editing software suite on a computer. Higher ISO settings are valuable when shooting moving or action shots, as the higher ISO setting instructs your camera to increase a faster shutter speed, which helps to freeze the action without too much blurring.

    Experimentation

    • The key to shooting a masterpiece is often trial and error. Do not be afraid to get creative and try ideas that seem unlikely to work, as you may be surprised at the result. Experiment with angles, alternative light sources and techniques. Use everyday household items, such as a desk lamp covered by a cloth, to get soft, diffuse lighting. Take two powerful torches and try playing their beams over different objects or into the horizon at night to get some creative and potentially brilliant nightscapes.

    Atmosphere

    • Atmosphere in a photograph is essential for conveying meaning. Light and shadow can have a huge impact on the atmosphere in a shot. Experiment to get the desired effect; for example, using a lighted lantern behind a blind or sheet may give a dark or haunted atmosphere.

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