3 Reasons Why Professional Photographers Use Available Light And You Should Too
- Date: 2009-05-29 - Word Count: 396
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Have you ever wondered why many photographs taken by professionals are so captivating? If you study your favorite photos, you will start to notice something about them that may not have been apparent previously. The picture was probably taken using only the light available to the photographer at the time. In photography, we refer to 'available light' as that which is existing in the scene other than direct sunlight.
Available light could be coming from reflected sunlight streaming through a window, the glow of a warm fireplace or even a lamp. Let's take a look at what makes these conditions so desirable for capturing awe-inspiring photographs.
When you study a great candid portrait of some one, you will see that they probably appear at ease with the photographer. There is a reason for this. While glaring studio lights will not have an effect on a professional model, to the average person, these can be intimidating. By using only the light that is available, your subject will not feel as much like a subject and therefore, will let themselves be relaxed with the photographer and let their true personality show.
Another great thing about shooting with available light, is it's ability to convey a mood that cannot be achieved with studio lighting techniques. In a sense, this type light speaks reality to the viewer. The best part is that you can train your eye to recognize the different moods that the light can impart. Can you give your viewer a feeling of somber darkness and dread? Maybe you wish the observer to become happy and light-hearted with brightness and excitement.
Finally, by working only with available light, the photographer actually make things easier on themselves. Just think, you will have no lights and stands to transport, no worry about finding electricity for your flashes. You are free to move around to try positions and angles. But before you get tempted to set up your tripod, most professionals will tell you to put it away. Inexperienced subjects might become tense and stiffen up even with this equipment present.
You will be pleasantly surprised when you start seeing the results of using available light in your images. Turn off the flash and give this lighting technique a try. But note, you will need to pay extra close attention to your exposure. Available light will be dim as compared to studio lights or the sun.
Available light could be coming from reflected sunlight streaming through a window, the glow of a warm fireplace or even a lamp. Let's take a look at what makes these conditions so desirable for capturing awe-inspiring photographs.
When you study a great candid portrait of some one, you will see that they probably appear at ease with the photographer. There is a reason for this. While glaring studio lights will not have an effect on a professional model, to the average person, these can be intimidating. By using only the light that is available, your subject will not feel as much like a subject and therefore, will let themselves be relaxed with the photographer and let their true personality show.
Another great thing about shooting with available light, is it's ability to convey a mood that cannot be achieved with studio lighting techniques. In a sense, this type light speaks reality to the viewer. The best part is that you can train your eye to recognize the different moods that the light can impart. Can you give your viewer a feeling of somber darkness and dread? Maybe you wish the observer to become happy and light-hearted with brightness and excitement.
Finally, by working only with available light, the photographer actually make things easier on themselves. Just think, you will have no lights and stands to transport, no worry about finding electricity for your flashes. You are free to move around to try positions and angles. But before you get tempted to set up your tripod, most professionals will tell you to put it away. Inexperienced subjects might become tense and stiffen up even with this equipment present.
You will be pleasantly surprised when you start seeing the results of using available light in your images. Turn off the flash and give this lighting technique a try. But note, you will need to pay extra close attention to your exposure. Available light will be dim as compared to studio lights or the sun.
Related Tags: digital photo tips, studio lighting techniques, landscape photography tips, digital photography lessons, senior portrait poses, use available light
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