Lighting324 articles

Tips for Using Shadows in Photography

Tips for Using Shadows in Photography

Photographers tend to pay a lot of attention to light. In fact, we often think of light as one of the most important aspects of photography. On the other hand, shadows may seem to be less important – simply a lack of light. This would be a major mistake — for light is nothing without […]

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Chiaroscuro: Creating Depth with Light and Shadow

Chiaroscuro: Creating Depth with Light and Shadow

Chiaroscuro is a term that hails from the Italian Renaissance, literally meaning “light-dark.” It refers to the strong contrast between light and dark areas in a composition, which can create a dramatic, three-dimensional effect. This technique, often associated with the works of artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt, has found a powerful place in photography, where […]

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How to Photograph Bioluminescence

How to Photograph Bioluminescence

Photographers are currently flocking to San Diego to capture this rare phenomenon. Bioluminescence, the emission of light by living organisms, offers photographers the opportunity to capture some of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles. From glowing plankton on a beach to fireflies adorning the night, bioluminescence has never failed to leave viewers in awe. But how do […]

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The Relationship Between Color and Light in Photography

The Relationship Between Color and Light in Photography

Understanding the relationship between color and light is fundamental to mastering photography. Light is the medium through which we perceive color, and the interplay between the two can dramatically affect the mood, tone, and composition of a photograph. In this post, we’ll delve into the science behind color and light, how they interact, and how […]

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Harnessing Soft Light: Where & When to Find Diffused Lighting

Harnessing Soft Light: Where & When to Find Diffused Lighting

As a photographer, understanding light is as fundamental as understanding your camera. One of the most flattering and universally appealing types of lighting is diffused light. This kind of light is soft, gentle, and does not cast harsh shadows, making it ideal for a variety of photography genres. But where and when can you find […]

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Rembrandt Lighting: Creating Mood & Depth in Portraits

Rembrandt Lighting: Creating Mood & Depth in Portraits

Rembrandt lighting, named after the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, is a popular lighting technique used in photography and cinematography to create a dramatic effect that draws attention to the subject’s features. This technique is characterized by an illuminated triangle under the eye of the subject, on the less illuminated side of the […]

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Shadow & Light: Split Lighting Tips for Powerful Portraits

Shadow & Light: Split Lighting Tips for Powerful Portraits

Split lighting is a popular technique in portrait photography where the light source illuminates only half of the subject’s face, creating a distinct division down the center of the face. This lighting style is dramatic and can be used to convey a range of emotions or add a sense of mystery to the portrait. Here’s […]

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Lens Flare: From Accidental to Artistic in Photography

Lens Flare: From Accidental to Artistic in Photography

Lens flare is a phenomenon in photography that occurs when light scatters or flares in a lens system, often in response to a bright light source, creating an effect that is either intentionally used for artistic purposes or considered an undesirable artifact. This effect can add a unique, sometimes ethereal quality to images, or it […]

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Direct vs. Diffused Light in Photography

Direct vs. Diffused Light in Photography

In the world of photography, light plays a pivotal role in capturing the essence and mood of a subject. The interplay of light and shadow not only defines the structure and depth of the image but also evokes certain emotions, making understanding its nuances crucial for photographers. Among the many characteristics of light that photographers […]

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Released Today! Photo Lighting Cheat Sheets

Released Today! Photo Lighting Cheat Sheets

Every photograph tells a story, and lighting is the pen with which it is written. Understanding lighting is pivotal in the realm of photography, as it can dramatically alter the mood, texture, and narrative of your images. For photographers keen on mastering this crucial element, the Photography Lighting Cheat Sheets offer an invaluable resource. Why […]

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