the light and shadow project
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The light and Shadow project requires you to use available light only. This essentially limits you to available light sources such as sun, moon, street lights, fire/flame, and household lighting. The project requires you to consciously consider light - to develop a project that pursues ideas/concepts that address light and shadow in some form. To assist in this project, the following technical considerations will be useful.
Daylight Photography
When dealing with natural light photography, consider the following:
Shadows, Reflections, Silhouettes
If your intention is to use shadows, reflections or silhouettes you will need to consider when photographing
Shadows - meter to the highlight, not the shadow for correct exposure.
Reflections - Try a polarising filter to minimise flare. Using a long lens can assist in removing the photographer from the reflection.
Silhouettes - When an object receives much less light than the background it is rendered as a black silhouette. Meter to the highlights to achieve this result. Alternatively shade or remove ambient light from the object in the foreground.
Night Photography
You will need to consider
Tripod and cable release - This will prevent camera shake associated with handheld photography allowing you to use slower shutter speeds and longer exposures.
Long Exposures - You can use slow shutter speeds or the bulb function, a cable release and tripod. B uld allows the shutter to stay open as long as your finger is on the button.
Daylight Photography
When dealing with natural light photography, consider the following:
- Type of Light e.g. direct (hard), dappled, filtered, diffused (soft)
- Time of day e.g. dusk, dawn, midday sun and Position light, right, behind, in font.
- Weather conditions e.g. bright sun, overcast, foggy.
- Fill boards/reflectors can be used in harsh lighting conditions (bright sunlight) to reflect light back into the shadows.
- Exposure times how long you allow the light to register
- Vantage Point - your angle of view, distance to subject, lens choice etc.
- Moving the subject and/or camera to change the lighting effect.
- Controlling the light using, scrim, screens, curtains, aluminium foil etc.
- How light creates feeling responses - dramatic, moods, ambience etc.
Shadows, Reflections, Silhouettes
If your intention is to use shadows, reflections or silhouettes you will need to consider when photographing
Shadows - meter to the highlight, not the shadow for correct exposure.
Reflections - Try a polarising filter to minimise flare. Using a long lens can assist in removing the photographer from the reflection.
Silhouettes - When an object receives much less light than the background it is rendered as a black silhouette. Meter to the highlights to achieve this result. Alternatively shade or remove ambient light from the object in the foreground.
Night Photography
You will need to consider
Tripod and cable release - This will prevent camera shake associated with handheld photography allowing you to use slower shutter speeds and longer exposures.
Long Exposures - You can use slow shutter speeds or the bulb function, a cable release and tripod. B uld allows the shutter to stay open as long as your finger is on the button.