If you enjoy photography you'll realise there are a number of factors that need to be balanced to take the perfect photo. Lighting is just one of many factors that needs to be taken into account to take the perfect photograph.
Whether you're a professional photographer or enjoy taking photos in your spare time it helps to get a little guidance. Depending on your subject and the equipment you are using there are a range of different techniques that can be experimented with.
The following guide contains some tips to improve the quality of lighting in your photos.
One Light Set Ups
To take professional quality photos you don't necessarily need the best equipment available. Many photographers prefer to use a single light for photos to obtain a unique effect. Using multiple lamps can be beneficial in some situations but sometimes the simple approach is better.
The following steps guide you through taking photos using a one lamp set up.
- Set up your lamp ready for your shot. You can use a continuous light source, a low powered strobe or a 100 watt flash.
- Position your light modifier in line with the shot. A large light modifier works best such as a shoot through umbrella or softbox.
- Position your lamp with the light modifier three or four feet away from the subject of your photo.
- If you are using a strobe lamp set it to low power. 50 to 60 watts a second will work fine.
- Set your camera to manual mode. 100 ISO will give you the right level of exposure and also make sure to check the histogram and light meter.
- When you've lined up the perfect shot take it.
Making the Most of Natural Lighting
You don't necessarily have to use professional lamps and lighting to get good quality photographs. Take advantage of natural sunlight and you may be surprised by the results.
To take good photos outdoors you'll need the following;
- A camera with manual control for exposure
- An incident light meter
- 2 Diffusion panels
- Consistent sunlight
Here's how to take good pictures in the sun;
- Position your subject with the sun behind them.
- Line up your first diffuser behind the subject as a backdrop.
- Place your second diffuser above your subject to prevent excess light from flooding the image.
- Use the incident light meter to make a reading of the subject. Place the meter below your subjects chin with the dome pointing in the same direction as the camera.
- Set the f/stop setting on your camera based on your reading.
- Adjust the exposure accordingly to improve the quality.
- When you're happy with the balance of light in your shot take it.
You don't necessarily need all the best equipment to take professional standard photos. Try the above techniques and see the results for yourself.