Photography Lighting – The Importance of Contrast For Great Shots

The primary purpose of a photography lighting system or kit is to illuminate a subject to allow proper image capture or to achieve the desired effect. The proper illumination of a subject or a product being photographed is one of the most important details in the production of high quality photography. Photographers can utilize a wide variety of lighting devices for achieving the desired illumination.

For instance, photographers can utilize either soft boxes or photo umbrellas which are both light diffusers and can be attached to a photo light to add warmth and to soften photographic images. People often look best in photographs with diffused side lighting and a well placed backlight produces what is known as a halo effect while overhead lighting can produce a sharp contrast of light and shadows. By moving photo lighting stands further away or closer to the subject or product being photographed, you can fine tune the amount of contrast in the shot quite accurately.

In becoming familiar with this basic photographic lighting technique, you will notice a sharp improvement in the quality of your own photos. The strength of the photography lighting that you are using is also an essential factor. If you are shooting in a large studio or area, than a higher wattage lighting kit would give you the flexibility needed. Smaller wattage light kits are lighter and easily portable and best utilized by photographers who travel to photograph events such as weddings and other gatherings. These types of light kits are also a popular option for photographers who are simply wanting to be able to produce high quality product shots or single portraits while staying within an affordable budget.

High quality digital photography lighting is not only an absolute requirement of a successful photo, but it can also create emotion, depth, and mood as well. The intensity, quality, and direction of lighting can dramatically alter the final results of your photographic images. Professional photographers will often use strobe or flash lighting to achieve the incredible results they are so well known for. This type of lighting has the benefit of stopping action, consistent color temperature, and the necessary intensity to bring out the full spectrum of color within a captured photo image.

Incredible photographic results can also be produced with the use of continuous photography lighting as well. With continuous lighting, whether in fluorescent or halogen form, the lighting is quickly set up without the need for having to synchronize your camera to operate in time with the lighting source as with flash lighting. Continuous lighting is quite popular with all levels of photographers from beginners to professionals for it’s speed and ease of use. Simply set up your lighting stands, position them and turn them on and you can begin shooting right away.

Fluorescent lighting kits are virtually cool to the touch and require less energy to operate making them not only cool but economical as well. Halogen light kits or hot lights, literally burn hot and produce heat and also consume more electricity to operate. This is something to keep in mind when choosing an affordable lighting solution for your photographic needs when looking at continuous lighting.

In the highly competitive world of digital photography. Finding an affordable photography lighting solution for use in your studio or home can help you to not only produce high quality photos consistently but will also increase your status as an accomplished photographer. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, with proper lighting, the results you will gain in the quality of your portrait or product shots will say much more than that to your clients.


About the Author:

David Neargardner, www.photographystudioequipment.net

David has been an avid fan of photography for more than a decade and enjoys photographing wildlife and the many scenic wonders in the Rocky Mountain region. He also enjoys capturing studio style portrait photos of his family and friends at home, as well as more action oriented photos whenever possible while vacationing or on hiking and camping trips.

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