PHOTO-4 LIGHTING

The 4 Qualities of Light

Intensity: How dim or bright the light is. When using hot lights you do not have any
control over the intensity of the light. They shine at a constant intensity. However, we
are able to adjust the level of intensity when using the strobe lights.

Degree of Diffusion: Light can be diffused or very focused. Sharp focused light creates
very hard shadows similar to those observed outside on a bright and sunny day. Diffused
light creates hazy and poorly defined shadows such as those found on a cloudy overcast
day. In the studio we will be using soft boxes and screens to control the level of
diffusion.

Direction: The angle at which light strikes a subject. This element can greatly affect the
appearance of shadows and textures on a subject. In the studio we will have complete
control over the angle at which the light hits our subjects.

Color/Temperature: All light has a Kelvin temperature. This temperature is what

determines the color of the light. When photographing it is important to be aware of the
color of the light falling onto your subject. In the studio we will be working with hot
lights and strobe lights. Hot lights have a temperature of around 3400K and cast a
yellowish tint. Strobe lights have a temperature of around 5500K and do not cast any tint
when a digital camera is set to daylight balanced or you are shooting with standard
daylight balanced film. Strobe lights, which are basically the same as a flash on a
camera, have the same temperature as natural light.

1800K 4000K 5500K 8000K 12000K 16000K

* 1700 K: Match flame

* 1850 K: Candle
* 2800 K: Tungsten lamp (ordinary household bulb whatever its powered)
* 3350 K: Studio "CP" light
* 3400 K: Studio lamps, photofloods, etc...
* 5000 K: Daylight
* 5500 K: Average daylight, electronic flash (can vary between manufacturers)
* 5770 K: Effective sun temperature
* 6420 K: Xenon arc lamp
* 6500 K: Daylight°
* 9300 K: TV screen (analog)
The 5 Lighting Styles

Short Lighting: When the main light is positioned in a way so that it illuminates the
side of the face that is turned away from the camera.

Broad Lighting: When the main light is positioned in a way so that it illuminates the
side of the face that is turned away from the camera.

Rembrandt Lighting: When the main light is positioned high and to the side of the
subjects face. This technique produces a triangle of light on the side of the face opposite
the light.

Butterfly Lighting: When the main light is positioned directly in front of the subjects
face and adjusted to a height that creates a shadow directly under the nose.

Monster Lighting: When the main light is positioned directly in front of the subjects
face and lowered to create shadows on top of the head.

Vocabulary
• Intensity
• Diffusion
• Hot Lights
• Strobe Lights
• C Stand
• Reflectors
• Soft box
• Screen
• Catch Light
• Color Balance
• Handheld Light Meter
• Backlighting
• Scrim