The use of light in photography

1. Smooth light: also called "front light", refers to the light whose projection direction is the same as the shooting direction. Under such light, the subject receives even light, the scene has no large area of ??shadow, the color is saturated, and rich color effects can be displayed. However, since there is no obvious contrast between light and dark, the performance of layering and three-dimensionality is poor. However, when shooting women and children with smooth light, their delicate skin can be displayed very well.

2. Photometry: Photometry is the most commonly used light in photography. The angle between the projection direction of the side light and the shooting direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. When shooting with metering, the subject's light and dark contrast, three-dimensional effect, color reproduction, and tonal gradation are all better performed. Among them, the 45-degree angle metering is most in line with people's visual habits, so it is the most commonly used light position. Metering is very suitable for expressing the three-dimensional sense of mountains, buildings, and portraits.

3. Front side light: Front side light refers to the light whose projection direction is at an angle of about 45 degrees to the direction of the optical axis of the lens. Under the illumination of the front side light, the overall tone of the subject is brighter, but compared with the forward light illumination, the brightness is smaller, the subject is partially illuminated, and there is a small amount of projection.

It is more beneficial to the presentation of its three-dimensional sense, and it is also conducive to forming a better relationship between light and dark on the subject, and can better express its surface structure and texture. When shooting portraits or landscapes using the front side light, you can make the picture look more three-dimensional.

4. Backlight: Also called backlight, that is, the direction of light illumination is exactly opposite to the shooting direction. Because it can outline the brightness contour of the subject, it is also called contour light. Backlighting is often used to express portraits (fill light is usually needed when shooting), and the silhouette effect of mountains and buildings. When using this kind of light to shoot insects with hair or translucent wings, it can form a beautiful outline light, thus making the subject very visible. Good foil.

5. Side backlighting: refers to the light whose projection direction is at a horizontal angle of about 135 degrees with the direction of the optical axis of the lens. Because there is no need to look directly at the light source when shooting with side backlighting.

Therefore, there is no need to consider the occurrence of glare when shooting. Under the illumination of side backlight, the image will often form a darker tone effect, which is mostly used to emphasize the shape of the outer contour of the subject and also to express the object. Ideal light for a three-dimensional feel. Side backlighting is often used to express the outlines of portraits (which require fill light when shooting), mountains, buildings and other subjects.