Lighting Series: Part One - Direction

Key Concepts

• Direction and Perception: The direction of light drastically changes how objects are perceived. The form of a shape cannot be fully understood without considering shadows created by light direction.
• Role of Shadow: Shadow is crucial to perceiving form. It helps reveal details that light alone cannot.
• Lighting Mistakes: Incorrect lighting can flatten forms and obscure details, particularly when lighting from the front.

Types of Lighting

Flat Front Lighting

• Characteristics: Light directly behind the camera.
• Effects: Makes subjects appear flat, obscures depth, and detail.
• Use Cases: Useful for showcasing patterns or tattoos where shadow isn't desired.

Paramount/Butterfly Lighting

• Characteristics: Light is above and slightly behind the camera.
• Effects: Creates subtle shadows that define features like the nose and cheekbones.
• Use Cases: Popular in fashion and beauty photography for its flattering light.

Undesirable Lighting

• Example: Light from directly above creates unflattering shadows, often compared to raccoons.
• Effects: Highlights dark circles under eyes, resembles a skull, undesirable for most portraits.

Split Lighting

• Characteristics: Light from the side.
• Effects: One side of the face is in shadow, the other in light.
• Use Cases: May suggest mystery or hidden depth.

Under Lighting

• Characteristics: Light from below.
• Effects: Creates unsettling, unnatural appearance.
• Use Cases: Suitable for horror or creating an eerie atmosphere.

Neutral Lighting

• Characteristics: Light from the top-left corner.
• Effects: Balanced shadows, widely used in portraiture.
• Use Cases: Neutral presentation of subjects, common in film and art.

Environmental Lighting

Time of Day

• Noon: Harsh, flattening light; not ideal for revealing form.
• Golden Hour: Soft, directional shadows that enhance detail and composition.

Composition & Form

• Environments and Architecture: Use light to guide viewer’s attention, emphasize parts of the scene.
• Examples: Lighting can direct focus to corridors, chairs, or countertops depending on placement.

Conclusion

• Form and Shadow: Direction creates shadows that reveal form; consider what message you want to convey.
• Purposeful Use: Choose light direction based on the desired outcome for photography or filmmaking.

Looking Ahead

• Part Two: Focus on size in lighting, to be released weekly. Subscribe for updates.