Explanation of side light terms

Light source: light coming from the left or right side of the subject.

Side light forms obvious light-receiving surface, shadow surface and shadow on the subject. The arrangement of light and dark and the contrast between light and dark in the picture are sharp and clear, the scenery is rich in layers, and the air perspective phenomenon is obvious, which is conducive to expressing the subject's sense of spatial depth and three-dimensionality.

Side light is the illumination light emitted to the subject from the left and right sides of the subject (and the camera). Including full side light, side backlight, front side light, and flat side light, upward side light, overhead side light, etc. The position of the side light changes a lot, which can well express the layering and line structure, three-dimensionality and contours of the scene, making the picture rich in tones. At the same time, side light can make the subject's projection fall into the frame, which is beneficial to composition.