Lighting: The Goal & Approach
What are we aiming to do when we add light?
- Highlight the subject
- Balance/correct exposure
- Add shape/definition
More often than not, you’ll want to shoot from the shadows towards the light as it generally yields a more interesting image; When shooting from the shadows, you will see more highlights and shadows, which creates a sense of dynamic lighting in the shot. Then, you can add light with purpose (in this case, using directional light to add shape). See the image below.
Here’s a four-step approach to achieving perfect lighting:
- Frame and compose
- Dial in ambient exposure
- Add light (follow existing light direction)
- Analyze/adjust (light subject just brighter than the background
