Underlighting
Side and top lighting
Sidelighting from behind subject
Backlighting Light sources behind subjects create silhouettes.
Light beams behind the subject guide readers to the center of interest.
Top lighting
Lighting under the subject can add a dramatic effect to your photos.
Side lighting adds a softer feel to the image, top lighting adds drama.
Side lighting adds contrast and emphasizes texture and shape.
Lighting techniques
Sidelighting
Painting with light
Using light to tell the story Photojournalism is more than snapping pictures of students looking at the camera. By using artistic techniques and unique lighting and by planning your images in advance, you will produce more compelling storytelling moments to help your readers remember life’s events for generations to come. Taking pictures from high or low angles gives readers unique perspectives on the visual stories you share. Including a variety of photos featuring different lighting techniques draws readers into your photo stories.
Lighting techniques Consider how to use light to add strong visual interest to your photos. Placing your subject in front of a light source to create a silhouetted image works well for dominant photos, especially on dividers. Use a light placed to the right or left of your subject to soften the image. This technique works well for environmental portraits. Place lights above or below your subject to add drama and detail to the person photographed. Light sources can be artificial or environmental, depending on the look you seek for your photos.
Remember...
Side and top lighting Combining light from the top and side adds a soft touch to portraits.
Light from above adds depth to the image. CORE Standards for Photography - Speaking and Listening: - 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5 - page 24; Reading Standards: 5.7 - page 12; 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 - page 21
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Lesson 4: Secondary schools
As you cover an event or take pictures of friends, think about your lighting source. Most self-photos have light placed behind subjects. Lighting from that angle causes details and faces to be lost, and most selfies require exposure correction. Avoid back-lighting subjects unless you want a silhouetted image.
Additional resources: PowerPoint Video Curriculum: Photography Chapter 5 - page 21 Exercise 4 As teams or as individuals, take photos of people engaged in activities using the compositon techniques, angles and guidelines listed on this lesson. Remember to use the camera handling techniques described in Lesson 2. Submit your photos to your teacher for grading purposes.