Being able to read the light is an essential skill for a photographer to have in order to produce quality images that peak peoples interest. Photographers that have this skill are able to tell the difference between fill lights and key lights, what position the lights are in, and what type of modifiers were used. Thus, being able to read the lights is a mark of a truly professional photographer.
Learning the Light
Since reading the lights is a skill that is developed over time, photographers that hope to truly hone their craft should make it a point to learn the language of lighting as their first step. While the skills themselves take time to craft and hone in, starting with the right knowledge can help steer you towards success sooner. If you’re a beginner photographer looking for important information, read on for a few key tips for reading lights to get you started.
Find the Key Light
When looking at an image, the first part of reading the light is to identify the key light. The key light will always be the main light source in an image. This light is also typically the brightest light illuminating the subject.
–Position: There are usually two easy ways to identify the key light. When looking at the nose, one can use the direction of the shadow from the nose to identify the position of the light. Similarly, the eyes always offer clues as to where the light comes from. The key light is often reflected in the eyes.
–Shadow Transitions: When trying to determine the modifier used with the key light, one can easily look at how the shadows transition to the highlights. Hard transitions indicate a harder light source. Gradual transitions indicate a softer source.
Finding the Fill Light
With the key light in place, a single source of light will typically cast several shadows on the subject. Fill lights help to modify the density of these shadows. It is a bit trickier to identify fill light as they are particularly subtle.
When using fill lights, photographers can work with global or targeted sources. Targeted fill lights work with a single problem area while a global fill light will help to decrease the shadow density throughout the entire area.
Identifying the Extras
Even with fill and key lights in place, there are generally extra lights used to help add dimension to the image. These extra lights will help to refine an image’s shadow density, add separation, and help add drama and contrast to the image.
Background Lights
Background lights may or may not be used in a shoot. Oftentimes, background lights will be included to help brighten the background in a photo. Typically positioned directly behind a subject, the background light will create some separation between the foreground and background.
–Hair Lights/Kickers: Hair lights are relatively easy to spot. These are used to accent a subject’s hair and finer details, brightening the edges around them.
–Flag/Cucalorus: Flags can be used to prevent areas in the image from being hit by any light. Photographers also use flags as a way to deepen shadows. A cucalorus is an object used to block out light completely while casting a shadow in the image.
Reading the lights in photography requires practice, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself and expect to have this perfected overnight. Allow yourself time to practice and continue learning to perfect your craft over time. Photographers should keep these tips in mind when studying photographs or shooting images of their own.
