Types of Lighting

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Soft light – the light falling onto the subject matter or scene comes from multiple sources, from various directions or from a single light source that is very large and quite close to the subject matter. By doing this, no dark shadows are cast, instead, any shadows that are created have a soft edge; gradual blending from highlights to shadows.

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Hard light – the light being produced comes from one, point source i.e. a light bulb. The light should be shined directly onto the subject matter from one direction, without the light being reflected or mirrored off another surface. This causes dark shadows with hard edges to be produced, creating a high contrast photograph; deep blacks and bright highlights.

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Back light – a photograph with backlighting can be used to enhance the smaller details of an object as it is outlined against a lighter background. Backlighting is where the light source is coming from behind the object causing the object in the foreground to be silhouetted against the background.

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Front light – the strongest light source is to the front of the object causing shadows to fall to the back of the photograph. Sunrises and sunsets are two natural sources of front lighting. Using a flash on a camera is also considered front lighting.

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Studio light – the light is created through an artificial set up, usually found being used in studios but can also be used in an outside, more natural setting. Various sized flood lights can be used, however they are most common when there is an area with no available natural light (in a studio or outside during nighttime). Smaller types of lighting can be used such as a singular light bulb or several. 

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Natural light – the light is produced by only the sun and the stars. The moon is also considered natural light as it is the sun’s light reflecting off of the moon’s surface. Natural photography is most commonly taken outside in the direct light of the sun whether it be at dawn, the middle of the day, dusk or night. However, photographs using only natural light can also be taken indoors as long as there is a window to allow the light to filter in.

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Torch light – the light source is small and direct, enabling the photographer to highlight particular features of a person or object. This type of lighting would usually be created within an artificial setup as it would be easier to control. Torch light can also be used in light drawings.

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Laser light – the light is produced from a type of laser/laser pen and can come in various sizes, shapes and colours. Laser light is most commonly used in light drawings where the shutter speed of the camera is slowed down so much that the waving of the laser/laser pen in different directions is caught on camera as solid lines that occasionally glow. To achieve an optimum effect, using laser light when it is dark or completely pitch black is best for a clear image.