Basic Photography Skills
30th November 2015
LIGHTING
In order to create effective imagery, with a professional finish, we needed to understand the use of lighting.
HAIR LIGHT
A hair light is placed at the back of the set, facing the back of the model. This prevents a shadow forming on the background, and also keeps the image bright.
FILL LIGHT
A fill light is placed the other side of the model to the main light. This ensures both sides of the model are lit, again preventing a shadow on one side. This also keeps the model bright and clear, whilst also maintaining a good level of brightness for the whole image.
MAIN LIGHT
The main light is angled more towards the front of the model, lighting the majority of the image. Without the hair light, this light would create a shadow on the background, which depending on the desired effect may come in useful.
RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds is used in photography as a 'guide-line' for the positioning of objects in the frame. The frame of the photograph is arranged into 3x3 sections, with the overlapping lines creating 'interest points'. Generally, certain parts of the image are aligned to the interest points, in order to create focus onto them. For instance a persons mouth or eyes might be aligned with an interest point. It is also seen that people standing will be aligned with a vertical line. Items placed within the lines are also focused on, as they are close enough to take advantage of the interest gained by the interest points.
Here I have included some practise images which show different shot types that could be used.
