Application of Basic Light in Black and White Portrait Photography

Lead: To shoot attractive black-and-white portraits, photographers must accurately master the use of light. Let's take a look at the basic light application of black and white portrait photography!

1. headlights

The light shines on the subject from the front. Front light is usually called plane light because it creates a two-dimensional sense of plane. The front light can be very low, like the sun in the morning or evening; It can also be high, like the noon sun. Each position produces a different effect. Figure 1 and Figure 2 were shot with front light, which was directly above the model and evenly irradiated on the model's face and body. We can clearly see her facial features, hair, layers and textures of clothes.

Figure 1: Shooting in the studio, shooting the model directly from the front with a hard flash.

Figure 2: location shooting, the scattered light on cloudy days makes the image look softer and more uniform.

2. Indirect explanation

Side light generally refers to the light from the side, which can produce many angles, the most commonly used is 45? . The main light used for indoor portrait shooting is mostly oblique light, which can not only produce good contrast between light and shadow, but also highlight the rich color and three-dimensional sense of the subject. Especially 45? Side light is usually considered as? Natural light? It is considered by many people to be the best light type for portrait photography. Figures 3 and 4 were taken in the studio with an oblique lamp. Because of the different angles, the light receiving area of the face is different and the shadow part is different. Fig. 5 was shot by using scattered light from the scene window to create a soft effect.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Step 3: dome light

The top light is more difficult to use. The light is generally above the subject's head, and the shadow is deep and strong. Pay attention to adjusting the model's face when shooting. Fig. 6 The light shines from the ceiling of the corridor, mainly highlighting the hat and side of the model, especially enhancing the height of the nose; Figure 7. The dome light hits the model to form different light spots, creating a special dramatic effect.

Figure 6

Figure 7

in a bad/poor light

For black-and-white portrait photography, we can use contrasting light to create images of dynamic people. Backlight silhouette portrait can be regarded as a kind of portrait photography in Gao Fancha. Backlight photo is a silhouette image effect taken by the subject with the light source behind him. When the light shines from the back of the subject, if you expose the background, the subject will become a black silhouette. If the light source is in a higher position, a bright outline will be drawn above the subject, such as the model's hair, creating a kind of image called? Silhouette light? . A simple and expressive Gao Fancha image can be created by using silhouette objects with their backs to light. Sunlight is often used as the light source for taking silhouette photos against the light, but any light can be used as the light source according to the photographer's convenience or preference. Fig. 8 is set in the evening sky; In fig. 9, the light reflected from the water surface is in sharp contrast.

Figure VIII

Figure 9