The First Year // lighting

If you missed the first few posts in this series click HERE

Lighting. Where do I even start? Lighting is so integral to photography that this post could probably be about 100 pages long. Everything in photography revolves around light. Where is it coming from? What color is it? How is it being seen by the camera? How is it hitting your subject? What effect is it having on your photo or your vision for a photo? Natural lighting. Off camera lighting. Ring lights, ice lights, strobes, alien bees (yes you read that right)....and it goes on and on. 

Lighting is an aspect of photography of which I have barely scratched the surface. It is something that I will continue to learn about as long as I have a camera in my hand. 

Since I am mostly a natural light photographer, I have a better grasp at natural light than studio or off camera lighting. I am definitely interested in learning more about off camera lighting and how to mix the two (natural and off camera) to come up with even more creative and artistic looks. 

One of the first things I discovered in my early days of photography is that more sun is not necessarily a good thing. Bright, direct sun causes a lot of very harsh and unflattering shadows and, if you are photographing a person, a lot of squinty eyes.

Solution: Diffusion.

Diffusion is a great help when it comes to natural light. Its kind of the same concept as sheer window shades. They still allow the light in, but it is much less harsh and is more spread out and thus a more natural and pleasing type of light. 

I have learned the basics about lots of different types of lighting over the past year. Backlighting, rim light, harsh light, open shade, dappled lighting, butterfly lighting and Rembrandt lighting are a just a few and the list goes on and on. 

I've learned how a reflector can help me immensely however I hardly use it because I either am shooting without an assistant, or my subjects (kiddos) are too quick! This is one of my goals for the next year...use a reflector regularly! I feel like the quality of my photos will increase greatly by implementing this technique. 

I also have an expodisc to help with white balance. I know how to use it but often don't mostly because I find that I shoot to fast. I need to slow down and take my time.

Easier said than done. 

I know about exposure compensation and bracketing and while I have a flash, triggers, umbrella stand etc...I am still very novice when it comes to off camera lighting. I am drawn to it however and know for certain it will be something I learn more and more about as the years progress. 

I think I speak for a lot of photographers when I say that lighting is what keeps you coming back. Nailing a beautifully lit photograph is almost addicting. You just want more and more. I know I have a long way to go when it comes to the lighting aspect of photography and I am so excited for the journey!