Direct Lighting
Since direct lighting is very different from indirect lighting, you'll find that there are two important details of which to be aware. First, be sure that your direct lighting shines on your main subject. Second, watch for shadows that you don't want. Since shadows can appear as wrinkles, be sure not to inadvertently make your subject look ten to fifteen years older.
However, if you were to take that same direct light for photographing food or inanimate object, then you don't have the same worries. Since texture is what really sells food, this is the most important feature to capture. In this case, shadows will be your friend, as the right kinds of shadows, allow foods to appear more textured and appealing.
How to Work with Indirect Lighting
If you really think about it, there is no real difference between direct light and indirect light. Indirect light is simply the reflection or redirection of direct light. When you say that light is indirect, you are saying more about how light is being used than what it is.
Indirect light, really, is light coming in from all sides. When it's evenly balanced, you can properly light your subject. Still, indirect light sometimes seems to bounce upon your subject out of no where and so does require a measure of planning and control to make it work effectively.
Although any reflective surface can be used to redirect your lighting, you'll discover that some equipment is easier to use than others. Mirrors, although delicate, can be used, but you will find the lighting to be quite harsh. For softer lighting, reflectors are best, but even cardboard covered with a reflective material can work quite well.
Light Graffiti
For creativity, light graffiti is one of the best ways to use the light from a glow stick, sparkler, or torch. By using a tripod to steady your camera, you can easily set your exposure time for a longer period without worrying about steadiness. Then, with an ISO setting from anywhere from 400 to 800, you should be able to capture the graffiti as you write it out by hand.
As you experiment with the camera settings, type of light source, and the time of day that you take the light graffiti, you'll be able to make adjustments until you get exactly what you're looking for. As you're trying out so many different options, having someone else do the writing will help the testing go much faster. Then, before long, you'll be able to see the results of your experimentation and creativity with light.
Since direct lighting is very different from indirect lighting, you'll find that there are two important details of which to be aware. First, be sure that your direct lighting shines on your main subject. Second, watch for shadows that you don't want. Since shadows can appear as wrinkles, be sure not to inadvertently make your subject look ten to fifteen years older.
However, if you were to take that same direct light for photographing food or inanimate object, then you don't have the same worries. Since texture is what really sells food, this is the most important feature to capture. In this case, shadows will be your friend, as the right kinds of shadows, allow foods to appear more textured and appealing.
How to Work with Indirect Lighting
If you really think about it, there is no real difference between direct light and indirect light. Indirect light is simply the reflection or redirection of direct light. When you say that light is indirect, you are saying more about how light is being used than what it is.
Indirect light, really, is light coming in from all sides. When it's evenly balanced, you can properly light your subject. Still, indirect light sometimes seems to bounce upon your subject out of no where and so does require a measure of planning and control to make it work effectively.
Although any reflective surface can be used to redirect your lighting, you'll discover that some equipment is easier to use than others. Mirrors, although delicate, can be used, but you will find the lighting to be quite harsh. For softer lighting, reflectors are best, but even cardboard covered with a reflective material can work quite well.
Light Graffiti
For creativity, light graffiti is one of the best ways to use the light from a glow stick, sparkler, or torch. By using a tripod to steady your camera, you can easily set your exposure time for a longer period without worrying about steadiness. Then, with an ISO setting from anywhere from 400 to 800, you should be able to capture the graffiti as you write it out by hand.
As you experiment with the camera settings, type of light source, and the time of day that you take the light graffiti, you'll be able to make adjustments until you get exactly what you're looking for. As you're trying out so many different options, having someone else do the writing will help the testing go much faster. Then, before long, you'll be able to see the results of your experimentation and creativity with light.
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