Practical Artistry: Light & Exposure for Digital Photographers

132 Using Light

Front Lighting

Front Lighting

An exposure measures an amount of light. A charac-

teristic of light is its color temperature, set using white

balance. In addition to amount and color, a source of

light can also usefully be described by the

direction o

f

the light source. If you understand the amount, color,

and direction of a light source, then you have a good

appreciation for the

quality

of that light.

Developing an eye for the quality of light is one of the

most important keys to success as a photographer. It’s

worth taking the time to pay close attention to the di-

r

ection and interaction of light sources as crucial com-

p

onents of the quality of light.

In other words, if you are aware of what light does to

things you are well on your way to being an accom-

p

lished photographer.

When it comes to the direction of light, it’s easiest to

think of things from the viewpoint of the object being

illuminated, rather than the light’s directional relation-

s

hip to the camera.

Front lighting hits the front of the object you are photo-

g

raphing. This usually means the light is coming from

behind the camera, although the light source may also

be a lot higher than the camera position, and it might

be somewhat angled.

Front light is great for illuminating details, and light-

in

g everything so it can easily be seen. However, if the

light source is too strong, front lighting can