Lighting sources

Lighting sources and characteristics:

Built-in and studio flashEdit

See main article on flashes.

Built-in flashEdit

• Convenient
• Harsh light
• Can be supplemented with separate "slave" flash

Studio flashEdit

• Extremely versatile
• Adjustable position, intensity

Studio lightingEdit

Off-Camera flashEdit

Infrared triggersEdit

• Limited range
• Must have a clear visual path between flashes
• Great for controlled studio settings
• Included as a feature on many flashes

Radio triggersEdit

• Very good range, and radio frequency can go through walls easily
• Extremely versatile
• Expensive
• Can be used to trigger remote cameras, and many kinds of strobes/lights/flashes

Household lightingEdit

Standard lampsEdit

• Weak light sources; long exposure, wide aperture, or fast film needed.
• Color temperature variable; difficult to correct
• Difficult to position
• Can have bulbs replaced with more suitable photo floodlights

Desk lampsEdit

• More directional than standard lamps, easier to position
• Heat can be an issue
• "Point source" bulbs available

OtherEdit

• Consider unconventional options such as slide projectors and flashlights

Natural lightEdit

• Lowest-cost option!
• Can be harsh
• Outdoor light very even, non-directional
• Indoors, can use curtains or tracing paper over windows to soften light
• Only feasible option for some subjects
• Color temperature of high noon: ~8500-9500K, direct sun: ~5000K-6000K, overcast, ~6500K-7500K, sunset, ~4000K

Special-purpose lightingEdit

Close-up lightingEdit

ReferencesEdit

• Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz, Learning to Light.
• Joel Lacey, Essential Camera Skills