-
Term:
Description:Specular light is a light that retains its reflective qualities. When this light hits a subject, the reflective light bounces back into the camera.
A specular highlight is a bright spot of light that appears on shiny objects when illuminated. It's crucial to those in the 3D computer graphics industry, as they provide a strong visual cue for object shape and location with respect to lights within the scene.
Specular Light
This light has stronger highlights and stronger contrasts. Showcasing a hard and specular light quality, the image below was created using a silver reflector. This reflects light especially on oily and moist areas of the face to invoke a certain emotion that would be lacking if diffused light was used. Typically, action and sport photographers use specular light for its high contrast and reflective qualities.
Other Related Terms:
Soft Light
Hard Light
Diffused Light
Specular Light
Related Articles to Specular Light Definition
Beginner’s Guide to Flash Photography – Tips, Tricks and Lessons
Struggling with flash? We’ve come up with 9 insightful tips to help you master flash photography.
Complete Guide to Lighting Modifiers & When To Use Them
The world of lighting modifiers can be imposing and confusing. In fact modifiers are probably a more daunting obstacle than wireless flash itself these days.
Understanding the Qualities of Light
The foundational knowledge about light qualities starts with an understanding of hard light, soft light, diffused light and specular light….
Lighting Modifiers Cheat Sheet | A Visual Guide
We’ve teamed up with Adorama to bring you a series of photography tutorials called “Master Your Craft” to be featured…
Sunset Portrait Photography | Minute Photography
Learn how to create stunning, dramatic blue sunset portraits with a single OCF.
We Shot These Portraits In A Hotel Conference Room – Here’s How!
See how we transform a boring conference room with this two-light setup.
3 Ways To Photograph Family Group Photos With Flash
Here are three ways to change the way you photography family formals.
How to Get Correct Exposures Without a Light Meter
Ever wonder how to get to the right exposure without using a light meter? Here some tools and a process for doing just that!
Get Connected!