What is the lighting sequence of photographic flash?

An excellent photographer, each of his photos has a unique soul. Besides the photographer's keen observation and capture, we also need a good lamp, which comes from the shaping of light and shadow. After all, photography is inseparable from light. Let's look at the order of the lights.

First, let's understand two concepts.

First, strong light

Strong light refers to strong direct light. Shadows will form under strong light. The shadows of some scenes are very expressive, which not only increases the depth perspective of the picture, but also forms rhythmic rhythm in the interval between bright parts and light and dark, which increases the appeal of the beauty of the picture.

Generally speaking, hard light is easy to control and adjust, and it can be effectively controlled by adjusting the light blocking plate on the fill light or using the artificial flag plate, creating rich and layered dark parts and vivid and charming lighting effects for film and television production.

Second, soft light

The so-called soft light is the light that does not produce obvious shadows on the subject. It is diffuse reflection, and the directivity of the light source is not obvious. Soft light, because the light quality is soft, there is no obvious light receiving surface and backlight surface, no obvious shadow, and the contrast is soft, so the tone is flat and soft.

Soft light is used casually, while diffuse light shows delicate characters, especially female characters. Using soft diffuse light will make the characters look younger, more beautiful and more energetic. Tone levels are rich and have visual vitality. Modern film and television shooting uses this lighting method for characters. More diffuse light source lighting is mostly handled by soft paper, soft cover, soft screen and butterfly cloth ancillary facilities.

Third, the correct light distribution sequence.

1, main light

The main light, also often called "basic tone light" or "modeling light", occupies a dominant position in cloth light, that is, the main light source for shooting, which plays a decisive role in the tone of photos. Generally speaking, the main light is the light source facing the front of people when shooting portraits, which can determine the contrast between light and shade of the picture.

In some cases, only the main light is needed to meet the shooting requirements.

2. Main light+auxiliary light

Auxiliary light, also called auxiliary light, refers to the auxiliary light that shines on the shadow part that is not irradiated by the main light, and plays a role in adjusting the brightness of the picture. Auxiliary lights generally use soft light. You can use a lamp or a reflector. Generally speaking, when the main light can't meet the shooting requirements, the combination of the main light and the auxiliary light can make the photo more ideal.

3. Background light

Background light refers to the light that illuminates the background and environment. It is mainly used to illuminate the background light and contrast with the characters, so as to achieve the purpose of highlighting the subject, and also to express the environmental atmosphere and color. The shooting scene is changeable, sometimes bright and sometimes dark, which means that it is necessary to add background light and adjust the light appropriately.

4. Side lights

Side light is the light that makes people have bright edges. Illuminating from the back of a character can separate the character from the background, resulting in a three-dimensional effect, which is generally irradiated on the edge of the head, face and so on. When shooting portraits, side lighting in hair, shoulders and other positions can increase the layering.

Usually, there is one optical bit, but sometimes two or more optical bits can be used as needed.

5. Decorative lights

Decorative lights are mainly used to decorate some parts or details of the main body, which is a local and small-scale use of light. The difference between decorative light and auxiliary light is that it does not aim at improving the brightness of dark parts, but makes up for the shortcomings of main light, auxiliary light, background light and contour light in shaping images.

In the above light distribution process, because light is an addition, the light behind is likely to have an impact on the light effect in front. Therefore, after the light distribution is completed, it is necessary to carefully check the overall light distribution effect to see if there are obvious deficiencies or unreasonable places.