Using Basic Principal In Complex Lighting Problems

Photography is writing with light and your tools to create images on film are as diverse as those available to put words down on paper. Just as the pen in the hand of a skilled lettering artist can produce beautiful calligraphy, the reflector, diffusers and accessories of a flash system can be the means to create dynamic visuals through photography.

There are no secrets to successful lighting with electronic flash. This logical process of applied physics and math is brought to life by your creativity and ability to manipulate the rules of science. Your objective being to convey mood, impact and desired message.

An understanding of the principles of lighting allows you to control light rather than be controlled by it. Selecting the right source ia an acquired skill and once mastered will enable you to convey the visual information about form, space, texture and pattern on a two-dimensional photographic medium by control of the presence and absence of light.

The ultimate task is not to light the subject in general, but to illuminate its various aspects and dimensions. For example, in portraiture photography our concentration is on the face, clothing, hair and background; whereas, in product photography our attention is on rendering the subject detail, texture, color and background to the best advantage.

Most flash manufactures offers a complete line of power supplies, lampheads, and accessories, interchangeable throughout their product line, to provide the tools to meet almost any specialized application. Combined with a photographer's ability to manipulate light, the possibilities of style in image-making become unlimited.

Understanding the basic control element of light and learning to see what light is actually doing to the subject allows you to solve lighting challenges regardless of the subject matter or light source.

Mastering these qualities of light helps develop a personal lighting style and lets you categorize light problems to efficiently solve new challenges. At the same time, you will begin to appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of various light sources.

As a rule of thumb, photographers should keep options open ad continue to strive for lighting quality. To avoid falling into a lighting rut, consider the following suggestions:

• Camera angle comes first. Finalize the lens selection and camera position first. Lighting is physics and relies on angles, surfaces, reflections and contrast of the subject.

• Use the simplest light possible. As a lighting set up becomes more and more complicated, you can become trapped and begin "fixing the fix". Sometimes, starting over is the best way to reach perfection.

• Follow your instincts. Equipment must not pre-empt intuition. Rules were meant to be broken. Keep an open mind about other possible lighting solutions and have the initiative to explore those options.

• Avoid lighting by formula. A standard solution is often applied before the best method is identified. Good lighting is knowing what you want to see and understanding how to create this mental image with your lighting equipment.

• Know what you need. The latest trade show special is not a substitute for learning what light is doing to your subject so that you can make an effective visual statement.