Location Lighting Made Simple
Okay…we all know that the key to photography is light and shadow. We are trying to create an image on a two dimensional medium that will appear three-dimensional. The trick to achieving this result is pretty straightforward, but that does not necessarily mean that it is easy. Lifting a 600 pound barbell over your head is a straightforward and simple process, but it isn’t easy either. You have to train, learn proper technique, work your way up to it. Location lighting is sort of like that 600 pound barbell, you have to get there a step at a time. Fortunately, we don’t have to work quite as hard as professional weight lifters to create stunning, well lit, three-dimensional images.
Depth
The thing that separates the second dimensional flat plane from the third dimension is depth. There are a few ways that we can achieve depth in photography. It is really simple, we use light and shadow. Now for the hard part. Light is necessary to expose the image properly, but varying degrees of light are necessary to create depth, contrast, and emphasis. The varying degrees of light produce shadows where the light does not fall. By creating a shadow behind the subject we can create depth, but there needs to be light on the proper area of the subject to separate the subject from the background. Rim lighting, hair lighting, or back lighting can be used to achieve this goal. In the studio, this is pretty simple. A standard three point light setup is all that is required. A key light, a fill light, and a rim light. However, on location, outside of the studio, it is a bit more difficult to achieve without spending tons of money or lugging around tons of gear.
Reflections
Using reflectors in an outdoor setting can replace tons of expensive gear. In fact, you don’t have to spend the money on the standard pop up reflectors to achieve good location lighting on most subjects. While they are easier to carry around than other options and they offer a bit more versatility as well. But, if you want to do it on the cheap, then here are a couple of options.
Any reflective surface will work as a reflector. Cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil or an inexpensive folding sunshade that you would use in your car to keep the dash from baking and the internal temperature from rising too high will work as well. The car shade is cheap and easy to transport. Typically, they fold up nicely and they are light. The hardest part in using them is keeping them still and reflecting the light to the proper location when it is breezy. A simple piece of whiteboard or construction paper can serve as a reflector too. You will probably need someone to hold the reflectors for you, or you will need to be creative with stands and clamps to keep your reflectors pointed properly.
If you use the sun as you key light, you probably only need two reflectors. One to operate as the fill and another to operate as the rim light. Finding the right location, where you can use the sun as your light source for all three lights is the most difficult part of the process. With a bit of practice, you will be able to do it quickly and easily.
Other Low Cost Light Sources
If you want to keep the budget cost low, then you will need to get a bit creative about the light sources you use. Instead of high-end lights, strobes, and photography specific lighting, you might consider other possibilities. Flashlights of varying powers, car headlights, outdoor floodlights, streetlights, and even lights from signs can be used to light your scene to help create the image in your mind. One thing to keep in mind is the light temperature. If possible, try not to mix light temperatures in the same image. This is not a hard and fast rule, but more like a strong suggestion, especially when starting out.
Warm colored lights and cool colored lights don’t usually mix to create a good image. That isn’t to say that you can’t do it; the operative word is “usually”. Experiment with things and you will find something that fits your style and your budget.
Try to be creative with your lighting set up on locations. Take as much as you can with you, and use only what is necessary. If you have pro lighting gear, all the better, but if you don’t, then you will need to be able to work with what you have. It is a good exercise, even for those who have pro gear, to work without it from time to time. Think of it as practice and preparation for potential equipment failure or breakdown in the future.
When you create an image with depth, contrast, interest, light, and shadow, you are truly performing an amazing feat of optical magic. Practice your craft, and be intentional about your set ups and you will see your photography skills soar.
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Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feedhello i am hasti.i love photography . please give me some pictures. i cannot speak american very well.excuse me