How to shoot more ideal special effects light and shadow works

Lead: In the process of shooting, we often encounter special light and shadow, such as Jesus light, rainbow, reflection and so on. In addition, we can also shoot special light and shadow pictures, such as candlelight, light painting, silhouette and so on, by making rational use of the characteristics of light or controlling exposure. No matter what kind of special light and shadow pictures, they will bring us special visual feelings. In order to shoot more ideal special light and shadow works, it is suggested that the photographer should know more about the characteristics of these special light and shadow and the problems that should be paid attention to in the shooting process.

How to shoot more ideal special light and shadow works 1 outline

Silhouette is a special form of tone composition, which means that the scene image in the photo appears completely in plane black, without volume and hierarchy, but the outline is clear, and the picture effect is quite similar to that of China's traditional paper-cut works. The light of silhouette is relatively large, and the biggest feature is that the outline of the subject image is very clear. In the silhouette, although the texture of the subject is completely lost, the simple and clear outline can set off the shape and charm of the subject. Through the strong contrast of colors, the modeling effect is summarized and vivid. Backlight silhouette is a common form of expression in landscape photography.

? Focal length: 70mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed: 1/500s sensitivity: ISO400.

The approximate dynamics of aircraft cranes are particularly natural and vivid against the orange-red sky, and the dotted people and camels become meaningful under the gorgeous glow of the sky, which also gives the picture a long lyrical meaning, thanks to the expression of silhouette.

Focal length: 90mm aperture: F45 shutter speed: 1/4s sensitivity: ISO 100.

Point-shaped people and camels become meaningful in the gorgeous glow of the sky, and at the same time, the picture has a long lyrical meaning, thanks to the performance of silhouette.

Focal length: 93mm aperture: F4.5 Shutter speed: 1/2000s Sensitivity: ISO400.

The ordinary grass looks so graceful against the rosy clouds in the sky, which is because of the expression of silhouette.

point out

Silhouette is one of the most important techniques in photographic performance, and the following points need to be paid attention to before it can be shown in place.

Use backlight shooting and choose a bright scene as the background.

When measuring light, a bright background is usually used as the measuring object. According to the need, 1 ~ 2 negative exposure compensation can be carried out, or M-block full manual exposure mode can be adopted to make the subject completely black. The difficulty of taking silhouette photos lies in accurate metering and exposure. The photographer can switch the metering mode to spot metering or central key metering, and after metering the brighter part of the picture, press the exposure lock key, or record the exposure value at this time, then switch to M-block manual exposure mode, set the exposure value to the value just recorded, and then re-compose and shoot; You can also directly measure the light in different areas, and then make negative exposure compensation of about 2 blocks. At this time, the subject in the picture will show a black outline due to insufficient exposure. F22 or even smaller aperture is not recommended, because too small aperture will affect the image quality.

The beauty of silhouette is mainly reflected in the shape and outline of the subject, so we should choose the shooting angle and show its beautiful lines as much as possible when composing. At the same time, we should carefully observe the foil relationship between the subject and the background, so that the two can complement each other.

? Focal length: 200mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed:1125s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The dazzling sky just sets off the silhouette of people and trees, and there is a mystery in the splendor.

Step 2 reflect

Reflection is formed by specular reflection on the surface of an object, which can only be seen on a smooth surface with obvious reflection effect. This is different from the shadow caused by obstacles when light travels in a straight line. A reflection can reflect many characteristics of an object, such as color, three-dimensional sense and so on. It is very different from a shadow that can only reflect the outline characteristics of an object.

Focal length: 20mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed:1125s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The reflections of trees and clouds in the sky are dotted with duckweeds on the water, creating a fresh and romantic artistic conception.

The reflection in water will change with the turbulence of water waves, and it will split into charming phantoms of different shapes. These interesting reflections not only form a dynamic and static contrast with the real scene, but also give the real scene vitality.

? Focal length: 17mm aperture: F9 shutter speed: 1/80s sensitivity: ISO200

The reflection of trees in the water and the flowers on both sides make a very comfortable picture.

The swaying, distorted and deformed reflection can form the effect of abstract painting, but for the audience, seeing this picture will produce various associations. Therefore, in landscape photography, many photographers like to fill the whole picture with reflections to present an abstract painting effect. Sometimes in order to express the quiet beauty of the scene, there are few or no real scenes in the whole picture, but the audience can feel the quiet world from the reflection, which is the charm of the reflection.

Beautiful reflections can be seen everywhere, such as the water surface of rivers or lakes, the accumulated water after rain, the mirror-like floor and the ice surface. Whether it is direct light or scattered light, it can reflect even under the night light. Therefore, as long as you pay more attention, you can make a very special reflection film.

? Focal length: 80mm aperture: F8 shutter speed: 1/60s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The reflection can no longer reflect the specific shape of the object because of the turbulent water surface, which leaves room for imagination.

? Focal length: 80mm aperture: F8 shutter speed: 1/30s sensitivity: ISO 100.

Due to the light, the reflection on the water is somewhat gorgeous. Although the whole picture looks quiet, there is a mysterious smell in the silence.

? Focal length: 80mm aperture: F 16 shutter speed: 1/60s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The water surface is empty and real, which constructs another magical space effect for us.

point out

Attention should be paid to the following aspects when shooting reflections:

In terms of composition, the reflection and the real scene are often symmetrical. Many photos with reflection, because they fully show the beauty of symmetry, make the reflection and the entity set each other off in interest, and all parts of the scene, colors and tones, and even some small plots are completely consistent, which makes people feel balanced, harmonious and full, and also provides rich imagination space, which makes the picture effect of the contrast between reality and reality very attractive. In order to avoid the dull picture, it is suggested that the proportion of reality and reality is different, for example, the reflection should occupy most of the area, while the real scene only shows a small part; The reverse is also possible, that is, the reflection occupies a small area, while the real scene occupies a large area, which adds some wonderful meaning to the picture.

Focal length: 16mm aperture: F9 shutter speed: 1/20s sensitivity: ISO250

The real scene and reflection are completely symmetrical, which makes the subject look particularly heavy and more in line with the age-old atmosphere.

? Focal length: 50mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed: 1/60s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The clear reflection of trees and the waterfront covered with fallen leaves occupy half of the picture, and the obvious diagonal composition and bright colors bring a little movement and brilliance to the originally lonely autumn.

? Focal length: 250mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed: 1/60s sensitivity: ISO 100.

Harmonious and comfortable colors and a little fuzzy reflection make the picture full of a bright and fresh taste.

When the reflection under the calm water is taken as an important part of the picture, it is suggested to choose a smaller aperture, so that the reflection part can get a larger depth of field to clearly show the clarity of the water, and with the appropriate color tone, the whole picture will give people a very vivid visual experience.

If you want to shoot different beautiful reflections, you need to master the shutter speed. The reflection in the breeze is often divided into tiny strips or illusory forms. When there is no wind, the still water will be like a mirror, making the reflection look particularly clear. When shooting, whether to choose a higher shutter speed to freeze the water surface so that the reflection presents a real and illusory world, or to choose a lower shutter speed to blur the details of the reflection and create a dynamic and special artistic conception depends on the specific situation. Sometimes these charming reflections appear in the water on the road after rain. At this time, the reflection is like a colorful picture scroll, which is extremely wonderful and should not be missed.

? Focal length: 80mm aperture: F 16 shutter speed: 1/60s sensitivity: ISO 100.

In order to ensure the success of shooting, a polarizer is essential. This is because most reflections are generated on the water surface, and bright reflections will? Cheating? We create the illusion that the illumination is higher than the actual state. Polarizer can adjust the contrast of water reflection, and strengthen or weaken the reflection effect as needed. If you shoot a reflection in still water, because the reflection is usually dark, you need to use a large aperture and high sensitivity, so as to get a suitable exposure combination. To be on the safe side, you can take more photos in different levels of exposure, and then choose the photos you are satisfied with.

In order to get a long and strong reflection effect, it is suggested that the camera should be as close to the water surface as possible when shooting, because the number of reflections nearby is inversely proportional to the height of the viewpoint. If the site conditions were not allowed at that time, we might as well choose a lens with a longer focal length to compress the reflection in the water and make it fill the whole picture.

? Focal length: 250mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed:1125s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The white clouds set off against the deep blue sea water, highlighting the remoteness and tranquility of this scenery.

In the early morning or evening, especially when the sun is all over the sky, the water surface is more colorful. Photographers need to determine the foreground and theme in advance. At this time, the water surface echoes the sky, and the color of the water surface changes from bright to dark, from orange to crimson, and from crimson to purple, just like the sky. In this changing process, rocks in the water or trees on the shore can be used as the foreground, and the changing water surface color blocks can be used to set off the foreground and theme. If the water is sunny, you may wish to take advantage of the past white clouds when shooting the reflection, so that the white clouds can better show the remoteness and tranquility of the scenery against the surrounding dark blue or green water. After the sun goes down, there will be the most unexpected and wonderful reflection effect. The surrounding objects will appear blue due to the reflection of cold light, and the color of warm objects will also change at this time. At this time, the warm color reflected in the water by the residual glow on the horizon can be used to form a cold and warm contrast tone with the cold tone of the object, making the whole picture full of drama.

3. The Light of Jesus

? The light of Jesus? Refers to the phenomenon that light is transmitted from the edge of dense clouds, illuminating the dust in the air and making the light clearly visible. Especially in rainy days, when the clouds disperse, even if there is only a small gap, the sun will break through the clouds and form a beautiful scene that shines on the earth. This contrast between light and shade is often used by movies, paintings and other art forms to express the sacred, sublime and redemptive atmosphere.

When there is enough water vapor, dust, smoke, etc. When the atmosphere refracts light and the clouds are incomplete, Jesus light may appear. The more dust, the stronger the light and the better the effect. In fact, this is mainly related to the purity of the atmosphere, and the probability of such light appearing in sunny days after rain is higher, especially in summer.

Focal length: 25mm aperture: F 10 shutter speed:1100s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The radiant light from the clouds illuminates the earth, and the whole earth looks majestic because of this golden light.

Shoot? The light of Jesus? At this time, it is suggested to choose the spot metering method, choose different metering points, such as the middle bright surface metering, or the highlight part as the metering basis, and the final picture effect is completely different. Right? The light of Jesus? If you want to darken the background in order to better stand out when measuring the bright part of the instrument? The light of Jesus? , you can reduce the exposure appropriately. Post-processing can also be used to enhance the feeling that the light beam penetrates through the clouds.

? The light of Jesus? The appearance time is often very short, so you need to make corresponding preparations in advance. For example, it is best to set the photo format to RAW format to facilitate the retrieval of rich layers in the later period; Set the aperture to a small aperture of about F 16 to get a clearer picture level.

? Focal length: 33mm aperture: F5.6 Shutter speed:11000s Sensitivity: ISO 100.

Divergent from the clouds? The light of Jesus? Against the background of black foreground and blue sky, the mystery is more intense.

? Focal length: 40mm aperture: F 13 shutter speed: 1/250s sensitivity: ISO 125.

The light pouring down is like a curtain between heaven and earth, and its majestic momentum is amazing.

4. mottled light and shadow

Many times, photographers don't want to blend mottled light and shadow into the picture, for fear that it will make the picture chaotic, but sometimes those mottled light and shadow in the picture will not only destroy the purity of the picture, but will add some elegant, smart or distant mood to the picture, making the picture more vivid and interesting. If mottled light and shadow can be integrated into the main body of the picture and become an indispensable part of the main body, then fiction and fact's painting will be more intense.

Focal length: 17mm aperture: F 16 shutter speed:1125s sensitivity: ISO 100.

Because of the jumping feeling brought by mottled light and shadow on the background, the picture is vivid.

point out

When taking mottled light and shadow as the main performance object of the picture, we should choose the mottled parts with dense density, otherwise, the whole picture will easily give people a messy feeling. At the same time, we should also include the solid part in the picture, and don't just let the shadow of the object appear on the ground or wall. This picture will be particularly dull because of the loss of spatial hierarchy.

If you shoot portraits in mottled light and shadow, you need to pay more attention to composition. At this time, it is more suitable for taking half-length or seven-point portraits, but not for close-ups, especially headshots. When shooting, we choose mottled light and shadow as the background of the characters or directly fall on the characters to get the overall atmosphere of the picture. Putting the main characters in this atmosphere can bring special visual feelings to the audience. So the environment at this time is very important, don't be too limited to the performance of the characters. If we take the entity as the foreground, we can choose according to the actual situation when shooting mottled light and shadow pictures with people as the main body, that is, we should adjust the shooting angle and composition.

It is recommended to use manual exposure mode, because the camera's metering is not necessarily accurate for a large area of alternating light and dark scenes, and it is easy to be overexposed or underexposed. It is best to use the RAW file format, which can keep the dark details, facilitate the post-processing of retrieval level changes, and adjust the tone as needed. The picture quality provided by RAW format will be much higher than that provided by JPEG format, and of course it will take up more memory card space.

Smoking everywhere

The smoke in the air is changeable and mysterious, especially in the natural environment, which can bring people a kind of artistic conception of virtual and real, and it is more ethereal and clever against the dark background. Its shape is often impossible to reproduce, and it is really not easy to capture its beautiful figure. But for outdoor smoke, it is rarely used as the main body of the picture, and more often it plays a role in creating the atmosphere of the picture.

Focal length: 50mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed: 1/60s sensitivity: ISO 100.

The thin morning mist silently enveloped the small mountain village, showing a harmonious and natural living state.

? Focal length: 250mm aperture: F 1 1 shutter speed:1125s sensitivity: ISO 100.

A large area of clouds surrounds the village, bringing a dreamlike illusion, just like a fairyland on earth.

point out

In order to create a picture atmosphere, it is necessary to reasonably arrange the position, direction and area of clouds in the picture.

Use dark colors to set off and highlight the shape of clouds.

For greater depth of field, you can choose a small aperture. Decreasing the sensitivity is conducive to clearly depicting the texture and level changes of clouds, and relatively high shutter speed can undoubtedly capture the rapidly changing clouds.