Quality Of Light In Photography And Tips To Using It

by AAFT University First Media and Arts University India

If you are an aspiring photographer, you need to have two things to succeed; passion and knowledge of the quality of light. Light is a crucial element of photography. With good lighting, a photographer can truly capture the beauty of a scene.

Knowing how to manipulate light will make your photos stand out if you are just starting out. You can join a photography institute or take lessons from a professional to perfect your skills and learn ways to use light sources.

Here, you will find what the quality of light is, why it is so important, the types of lighting, and some tips to apply in your next photo shoot to turn your pictures into masterpieces.

What Is The Quality Of Light And Why Does It Matter In Photography

In simple words, the quality of light is determined by the size and the distance of the light source relative to the subject of your photos. There are two qualities of light; Hard light and soft light.

In photography, light determines everything, from shadows and highlights to color and texture. Therefore, it is essential to know about quality lighting to get the perfect shot. The light source can be artificial or natural; all you need to know is to manipulate it to get the desired results.

What Are The Different Types Of Quality Of Light In Photography?

Here are the different qualities of light in photography.

● Hard or harsh Lighting quality

Hard or Harsh lighting results from small light sources like a candle, flashlight, and even the sun. The hard lights create more well-defined shadows and high contrast levels. A photographer would use this type of light to get dramatic shadows and emphasize the character.

● Soft or diffused Lighting quality

Soft or diffused lighting is a result of large light sources. Some of the best examples of large light sources are - large studio lights, the sky on a cloudy or overcast day when the sun is hidden behind the clouds, large white reflectors, and window light that does not have direct sunlight. As the name suggests, photographers use soft light to create soft and gentle images.

Tips For Using Quality Of Light

Here are some tips for using quality light to get some of the best shots which might even turn your career.

Watch for shadows when you are using hard light.
If you want to capture a faceless portrait, hard light is perfect for highlighting the colours.
When the sun is coming out, move your camera and shoot from above to use the best of hard light.
While shooting in hard light, it is best to set your own white balance.
Soft light is best for clicking portraits and interior home pictures.
While working with soft light, use a diffuser to light from angles onto your subject.
If you want to click pictures with less contrast and drama, soft light is perfect for you.

These are some of the tips that would help you get started. However, you can enroll in a photography course to learn more and your skills in lighting and photography. A professional approach enables you to apply your skills in the right direction.

Conclusion

Light is an essential part of photography, and the quality of light determines everything about a photo. If you are an amateur and want to learn more tips to get those perfect images, there are plenty of options for you, from online courses to B.A. Photography, there are several options to learn the basics and know more about the quality of light and how to work with them.