Awareness and proper use of light can greatly improve your photography.
The difference between a good picture and a bad picture is not the camera you use or the lens you have--it's the lighting. Learning to use light properly to improve your photography is an easy way to create an image with a professional touch.
Be aware of existing light
Light is all around you, all the time. It's critical for a photographer to be aware of what kind of light exists in a setting and best use it to her advantage. Observe the type of light you see in daily life.
Directional light
Almost all light comes from a certain direction, which means that subjects must be repositioned until light hits them in a pleasing way. It's best for the light to be about 30 degrees off the lens axis to either side, as this position usually provides pleasing shadows and good tonal separation.
Quality of light
The quality of light refers chiefly to the shadows that the light casts. Hard light casts shadows with hard edges. Soft light, which casts shadows with soft, fading edges, is usually more pleasing to the eye. For most applications, soft, slightly directional light is best, such as when the sun peaks through the sky on a cloudy day.
Use light to improve your pictures
To use light effectively, position your subjects to catch the light in an attractive way. Use the right kind of light to get the image you want. This technique takes some practice. Study the light in famous photographs to learn from exceptional examples.
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