LOOKING…
Looking AT.
Looking THROUGH.
Looking LIKE.
A picture IS worth a thousand words!
Think of the early television broadcast and recall the lighting and makeup at the Nixon/Kennedy 1960 presidential debates. Now you begin to get the picture (pun intended). In the video below, look at the impact lighting and makeup has on the candidates. Check out the studio then versus what is used today in the way of backdrop and location.
JFK vs. Nixon – the 1960 debates
Lighting does make the image or photograph or video. If you’re a photographer, especially a professional (charging for your work), then you know the importance of proper lighting, location, and equipment. Compromise in any of these areas and you work is deemed inferior….second rate.
The various effects of lighting alone can create award winning photographs. Probably the most critical topic in photography is how to use lights for the best possible results. Let’s take a brief look at some lighting basics:
Back Lighting
This is probably the most popular form of artistic photography and is accomplished through the back lighting of persons or objects. It’s also one of the trickiest if you’re wanting face or frontal subject detail. Then you’re going to have to use lots of other light and probably even flash and filters depending upon the setting.
Side Lighting
This is good for some really stunning effects! Half lit and half dark visuals give uncanny but thrilling effect. When light falls from one side and casts a shadow on the opposite side, it can super enhance features especially for the close up. This form of lighting is good for adding depth and dimension.
Artificial Lighting
Almost all studio and indoor photography is done using artificial lighting. But just like on the above video, you’ve got to avoid harsh effects caused by lighting.
Diffused Lights
This is what is used for the more important and natural photo and video work. Direct light is often just too harsh. Artists work hard to keep it from falling on the subjects or objects. That’s why for outdoor shoots sunrise and sunset are so often ideal times.
Click on PROFESSIONAL VIDEO PRODUCTION to read more about this topic at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.