Soft front light/hot back-light
The most popular lighting technique is to use a diffused light source (fill light) aimed at the front of the figure with a more directional light (known as a back-light) from the back, therefore enabling the subject to have a defined edge as well as preventing any shadows being created.
This also allows you to alter how moody the photo will look by arranging and adjusting the lights in a way that will leave darkness between the area illuminated by the back light and the area illuminated by the fill light.
Hard and Soft Light
Hard light usually originates from a single light source with is usually small or located further away such as an electronic flash. This lighting technique produces defined, dark shadows which creates a photograph with an extremely sharp contrast and highlights, emphasising texture and shape.
On the other hand, soft light creates shadows that are barely visible. This lighting also tends to be more flattering whereas hard light is more dramatic and harsh. Soft light creates an even tone which depicts the colours and shapes of the subject more realistically. In order to achieve soft lighting the light source needs to be larger and closer such as a soft box.
In general, the size of the light source is inversely proportional to the hardness of the light, meaning that smaller light sources produce harder light.
Natural and Artificial Light
Natural light is harder to control as the weather varies greatly depending on numerous conditions such as time of day, weather, season and geographical location. It can be useful though as it doesn't require any specialised equipment.
Natural light can be affected by:
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| Sunny Conditions |
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| Cloudy Conditions |
Time of Day: Softer lighting conditions are more common during early and late hours of the day; the light is usually warmer, generating shots with less contrast compared to noon, when the sun is directly above. During these times of day, the lighting conditions change in quick succession, both in terms of intensity and colour, allowing for images to be more unique. Shadows during early and late hours also change rapidly which help keep images dramatic with dimensional qualities.
Location: Depending on your distance from the equator, morning and late evening can last much longer. The further you are away from the equator, the more time it takes for the sun to rise and set, and conversely, they pass quicker when in close proximity to the equator.
Air Pollution: Pollution, similar to mist and clouds, acts as a diffuser of sunlight due to the clouds reflecting and scattering the beams of light. This creates a soft lighting effect.
Regarding artificial light, you are able to have full control over the elements that will affect your shot, for instance, angle, intensity, distance and hardness. This allows you to notice how various light sources act upon a subject and how to produce the desired effect. Furthermore, with artificial light you are able to use different hues by either using a different bulb (halogen bulbs are cooler therefore producing a blue tone whereas tungsten bulbs are hotter, producing a reddish light) or by attaching a filter over your camera.
Through my research I also found out about the differences between low key and high key lighting:
Low Key Lighting: This style of lighting is an element similar to the chiaroscuro effect. Low key lighting accentuates the contours of an object, casting the predominance of the image into shadows. This is balanced with a fill light or reflector in order to brighten the dark areas to control contrast. By doing so, this can be used to isolate a subject, create a dramatic ambience, make the image more sinister and reflect ones emotions. Instead of using the traditional three-point lighting set up (key light, a fill light and a back light), low key lighting often only uses one key light - this can be controlled with a fill light or a reflector.
By reading more into high and low key lighting I was able to research further into the moods created by the lighting and the various techniques to achieve these -
Lighting - High Key and Low Key
Role of Lighting in Creating Mood and Emotion
Practising With Lighting
My setup consisted of a white backdrop, two soft boxes and a K180A Light with various attachable coloured filters.
I think the white backdrop created effective looking photographs as it made the shot look clean and well defined. On the other hand, it proved difficult to prevent shadows in the background all of the time - as I didn't have a back light I could only use two-point lighting instead of the traditional three-point lighting, therefore depending where the subject stood, shadows were formed. Next time, I want to experiment with a black back drop; no marks and shadows will be visible and it will make the shots look more dramatic due to its compatibility with low key lighting.
I positioned the two soft boxes either side of the camera directed towards the subject which I could easily relocate in order to get a diverse effect. Additionally, I was also able to adjust accordingly to the height of the subject. Concerning proxemics, I was able to explore the effects of the lighting as it got closer/further away from the subject. By doing .this, I realised that the light seemed harsher and more intense (similar to low key lighting) when the light source was closer to the subject whereas, when further away, the lighting was softer which could be associated with high key lighting.
Moreover, I also tried to prevent other artificial and natural light sources from intervening with my photo shoot. I did this by waiting until it was dark outside to avoid glare and sunlight and I also turned off any lights surrounding the set up. However, as it wasn't dark enough, I was unable to experiment with low key lighting - this is something I want to explore therefore I will need to find a darker environment to test this.
I managed to create a moody atmosphere by experimenting with the placement of the soft boxes which, when placed correctly, generated a cold, blue tint within the photos. In certain positions they created soft shadows on both the subjects and the background. As well as this, by distancing the lights from the subjects, I was able to get a dull atmosphere to increase the moody effect. Here are some examples:
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| This photograph looks effective due to the various intensities of light. By moving one of the soft boxes closer to one side of the face, I was able to expose one side of the face whilst the other side remained dark. |
By moving the soft boxes from the sides to a more head-on position, the light appeared warming and gave a softer more even finish. This light was whiter and wound sometimes create a yellow tinted hue.
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| I managed to create a fairly low key lighted photo by having one of the soft boxes closer to his face with the other one switched off. This high contrasted look created a dramatic, well defined photo. I would want to try something like this again, however I would have the other soft box faced at the background to prevent unwanted shadows. |
Some of the photos were over exposed due to the lighting being too concentrated. Although I managed to solve the inconvenience of the back drop not being lighted correctly, this then affected the overall quality of the photographs as the lighting was too hard.
By attaching different filters to the K180A light, I was able to test out a variety of different coloured lights upon the subject. This allowed me to express a diverse range of moods and emotions through my photography contingent on what colours I used. When the soft boxes was closer to the subject, the hues weren't as prominent, therefore I moved the soft boxes away and only had one switched on. This ensured that the coloured lights was bolder and more directional as it didn't have to compete with opposing light sources..
Here are a few examples of my experiments with different coloured lights:
What I Have Learnt
Within my music video I want to use coloured light in order to portray certain emotions and themes to the audience. I will research more into the psychology behind colour in order to ensure that I use the most effective colours to portray the feelings that I want to.
In certain scenes, I want to create a moody ambience which was rather effective with the soft, blue lighting. I'll achieve this by distancing the lighting from the subject so that it looks more dull.
Additionally, as some of my shots will be filmed outside, I need to make sure that the weather is cloudy; this creates a soft lighting affect as well as improving perspective. If i filmed when it was too sunny, the shots would be over exposed and the lighting would be too low key - this would translate the wrong message; I want to express happiness in these scenes instead of misery.
CLICK HERE to view what I have learnt in lighting regarding my magazine advertisement
