characteristics of light
Contrast Contrast is the degree of difference between the lightest and darkest tones of the subject or photographic image. A high-contrast photograph is one where dark tones and bright tones dominate over the mid-tones within the image. The highest contrast image possible is one containing only two tones, black and white, and where no mid-tones remain. A low-contrast image is one where mid-tones dominate the image and there are few if any tones approaching white or black. Without contrast photographic images would appear dull and flat. It is contrast within the image that gives dimension, shape and form. Awareness and the ability to understand and control contrast is an essential skill to work successfully in the varied and complex lighting situations that arise on location and in the studio.
High contrast - Kata Bayer
Low contrast - Tracey Hayes
Affecting contrast Contrast is affected by the difference in the intensity of light falling on a subject and the intensity this light reflects back to the viewer or light-sensitive surface. Light usually strikes three-dimensional subjects unevenly. Surfaces facing the light receive full illumination, whilst surfaces turned away from the light receive little or none. Different surfaces reflect different amounts of light. A white shirt reflects more light than black jeans. The greater the difference in the amount of light reflected, the greater the subject contrast. When harsh directional light illuminates a subject overall contrast increases. The highlight tones facing the light source continue to reflect a high percentage of the light whilst the dark tones in the shadows may reflect little. The difference between the darkest and the lightest tone increases, leading to increased contrast.
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