Chapter 5 & 8 Notes (Light ~ Science & Magic)

Ch 5 & 8

5 -Revealing Shape and Contour

-depth is the third necessary dimension for using light in photography

-visual clues à using contour to determine the visual

-perspective distortion: paying attention to length and angles to seem more realistic

-viewpoint determines perspective distortion and angles that cause direct reflection

-we are able to determine that a faraway object is not necessarily small

-perspective distortion allows us to perceive depth

-closer the camera, the greater the distortion

-farther the camera, less the distortion

-tonal variation à light and dark areas in the subject

-highlights and shadows are determined by the size and position

-clouds are good at diffusion

-increase the size of the sunlight source

-the closer a light is to the subject, the softer the shadows are

-moving a light farther from the subject increases its contrast

-the closer we move a light to the subject, the larger the light source becomes in relation to it

-least distracting place for shadow is direction under and in front of the subject

-using a different variation of tone in the background can add depth

-lighting ratios are determined by the specific subject and personal taste

-using a dark background can eliminate glare

-overhead light can reflect the top of the subject

-keep as much light as you can from the background

8 – An Arsenal of Lights

-main/key light: light that provides most of the illumination for any portrait

-the size of the light influence the texture

-faces have more complexity therefore we have to position the light so there is shadow on one side of their face

-focus on flat lighting to show less facial contours (place light near camera)

-helps to focus on the dominant eye

-illuminating the hair can add depth

-hair light: used for highlights that separate dark hair from a dark background

-rim light: illuminates the edges of a subject

-do best to compensate for light lost by dark skin or clothing

-gels can be used to accentuate certain colors for the feel you want for the piece