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Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or just started taking photography classes, it never hurts to learn more about lighting. Shooting a photo in inadequate light will affect your finished picture, and it will be difficult to edit the image. Below are a few beginning facts about lighting and how it affects your images.

Soft Light & Hard Light

During photography classes, the difference between soft and hard light is likely one of the first lessons. Hard light produces dark shadows and comes from one light source while soft light produces softer shadows and originates from numerous light sources. If hard light is used incorrectly, it can emphasize imperfections, such as dark shadows under someone’s eyes. However, when used properly, hard lighting can produce photos with sharper contrast and highlights.

Because soft light has a more subtle transition between the light and dark areas of a photo, it can hide imperfections better. It’s a lot easier to work with for beginner photographers.

Light Position

camera storeThe position of light also plays a big role in how a photo turns out. Front lighting, for example, brings out the detail in an image. This is because there aren’t any shadows to hide the details. However, images with frontal lights can sometimes look flat. When lighting hits an object from the side, it can give the image more depth. Backlighting, which hits the object from behind, can give the image a halo effect. However, it’s the most difficult to master, so it’s not recommended for beginners.

Natural Light & Artificial Light

Natural lighting is affected by several conditions, like the weather, location and time of the day. For example, if you shoot on cloudy days, you will get softer lighting. With artificial light, however, you have more control over various elements, like the distance, intensity, and angle.

 

If you have additional questions about photography, turn to the professionals at The Shutterbug. The Shutterbug camera stores have been in business for more than 45 years, and they use their expertise in the field to help you find the right model, lenses, and accessories. They sell a variety of different cameras, including Sony®, Nikon® and Canon® models, and their experts provide photography classes to help improve your skills. For more information about their services, call (503) 227-3456, and visit their website to learn more about their photography class schedule.

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