What are the techniques for using lighting in photography?

The light sources relied on for taking pictures are mainly divided into two types: one is natural light; the other is artificial light, also called lighting. In terms of lighting methods and skills, whether natural light or artificial light, it is divided into: forward light, side light, side light, top light, foot light and scattered light, etc.

1. Slow light

Also called front light, it refers to the light that shines directly on the front of the subject and follows the direction of the camera's shooting. Processing color films under smooth lighting conditions will show a unique charm. The contrast of color blocks and the richness of tones all have a strong decorative aesthetic.

2. Side light

Refers to the light that hits the object or scene from the side of the camera or the subject. Compared with straight light, side light can easily express the concavity and convexity of the body, producing a strong three-dimensional effect and rich layers. It is a commonly used lighting method. The side light is on the back side of the subject, forming side backlight, which can better show the beauty of the light.

3. Backlight

The light comes from behind the subject, opposite to the direction the camera lens is facing. This kind of light is better than side light. There is a more prominent sense of layering and three-dimensionality, there are clear outlines between objects, and the contrast between yin and yang is intensified.

4. Top light and foot light

These are two opposing lighting methods, one from above and one from below. Top light is the light coming from above the subject. Under normal circumstances, the top light only cooperates with other main lights to enhance the outline light and decorative light of the subject. Footlight. It is the light that shines upward from below the subject. This kind of light is generally used to uglify the image or give people a sense of terror.

5. Scattered light

This kind of light has no obvious direction of illumination. It is light reflected from the subject or the surrounding environment of the scene. An example of this is the light on an overcast day. Under subtle changing conditions, scattered light is affected by the surrounding environment of the subject and the distance of the screen. Objects of different textures absorb light to different degrees, and there is still a slight change in intensity. Proper selection will also produce a beautiful soft feeling.