PHOTOGRAPHER’S TUTORIAL

2. Image quality requirements

2.2. Lighting:

Qualitative lighting is one of the most important aspects of an image. Not coincidentally, the very word «photograph» consists of two Greek words: photos – light and grapho – write.

In order to sell photos, it is not enough just to lighten an object by a built-in flash, but rather draw a beautiful image with light. The disadvantages of a built-in flash (as well as a flash on a camera used without a diffuser) are that they give flat, over-contrasted images with reflections on shiny surfaces and too dark shadows.

Some flashes have a built-in reflector (white card), which can be removed for shooting with reflected light, or the reflector can be made independently of thick white paper.

The light from a flash may also be reflected from a white wall or ceiling in order to soften it (Do not bounce light against strongly colored walls!). One more trick on how to make flash light less “hard” – fix it on a stand and add a piece of tracing paper between the flash and the subject so it diffuses light.

In order to photograph objects for later isolation from the background such flashes with diffusers can be put from two opposite sides so the resulting image will not have severe shadows.

Instead of the second flash, you can also use white reflector to lighten shadows.

Do Submit:

Well exposed image

The image is ok, we are glad to accept it!

Do NOT Submit:

Underexposed image

Possible solution: use wider aperture, decrease shutter speed, slightly increase ISO number on camera.

Do NOT Submit:

Overexposed image

Possible solution: decrease aperture size, increase shutter speed, use a neutral filters which decrease light intensity (commonly used on sunny days).

Do NOT Submit:

Severe shadows (photographing with internal flash)

Possible solution: use a diffuser with flash or lighten shadows from another side using reflector.