Lighting sources and characteristics:
Built-in and studio flash
- See main article on flashes.
Built-in flash
- Convenient
- Harsh light
- Can be supplemented with separate "slave" flash
Studio flash
- Extremely versatile
- Adjustable position, intensity
Studio lighting
Off-Camera flash
Infrared triggers
- Limited range
- Must have a clear visual path between flashes
- Great for controlled studio settings
- Included as a feature on many flashes
Radio triggers
- 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 lighting
Standard lamps
- 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 lamps
- More directional than standard lamps, easier to position
- Heat can be an issue
- "Point source" bulbs available
Other
- Consider unconventional options such as slide projectors and flashlights
Natural light
- 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 lighting
Close-up lighting
References
- Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz, Learning to Light.
- Joel Lacey, Essential Camera Skills
- Stock Images UK