Objectives

Chapter 13 is a guide to arranging and controlling lighting to achieve a variety of affects. The quality of light is discussed in terms of the degree of diffusion - hard to soft; and the importance of contemplating the direction of light is explained. Considerations for shooting with available light both indoors and outdoors are offered. Artificial lighting devices, different kinds of reflectors, diffusers, filters, and supports for lights are covered and their uses explained. Basic flash techniques, different types of flash units, and metering for flash is detailed. Calculating exposure when using a flash is demonstrated. The chapter covers traditional methods of lighting for portraiture, capturing textures, and shooting reflective objects.

After reading this chapter you should be able to:

1. Understand the basic concepts of degree of diffusion and direction of light.
2. Shoot effectively with available light.
3. Identify a variety of lighting equipment including lights, diffusers and reflectors, supports for lighting devices, and understand their uses.
4. Understand the purposes for using more than one lighting device, and how to position fill lights to achieve certain effects.
5. Identify a variety of flash units, flash meters, and flash accessories, and understand how they are used.
6. Meter for flash and calculate exposure.
7. Arrange lighting for portraits and reflective objects, and to enhance the appearance of textured surfaces.