Studio Lighting Research

Types of light

Ambient light: The light already present in a scene before any other lighting is added it is usually natural light coming from a window or outdoors but it can also be artificial room lights.

Main light: The light that lights the most important part of the image which creates depth and shape. The main light is usually pointed at the subjects face to give the model dimension.

Fill light: A light used to soften shadows but does not change the main light.

Diffused light: A light which is not direct or has been softened in some way (usually by a diffuser)

Ceiling bounce: An easy and common way to get a diffused light. Aim the light at the ceiling so the light becomes softer.

Background light: A light source coming from behind an object to illuminate the background.

Hair light: A light that is used to light up the hair.

Natural light : It is like ambient light but comes from a natural source like the sun.

What colour is daylight?: Daylight produces a blue/white colour.

What colour are tungsten bulbs?: They are a yellowish orange colour.

What colour do flashes mimic?: Flashes mimic a day light producing a white colour.

Types of portraits

Candid(Subject aware): An image capturing the subjects emotion while they are aware the picture is being taken.

Candid(Subject unaware): An image capturing the subjects emotion when they don’t know the pictures being taken.