Factors of Light

Shooting:

This exercise will explore some of the important factors of light. Generally, there are four: Color, Angle, Intensity and Character/Contrast. We will be concentrating on Angle and Character/Contrast for now.

Find an interesting subject that can be photographed on a table-top. Should be solid (relatively) non-glossy/shiny object. The images may be shot at home or the lighting studio (if available).

• Create a flat background to shoot upon. Use paper (distressed, painted on, etc.), wood, sheet metal, ceramics, or any kind of interesting material that will compliment your subject. Most likely, you will be shooting down on your subject. Use a single hot light and reflector. Create a series of still life images that show a variation of:

1. Angle of Light
2. Character/Contrast (Explore hard vs. soft light for now)

• For one of the above arrangements, shoot with natural light. Try to vary the factors of light—to what degree is this possible with natural light?

The four factors, in some combination or another, contribute to all possible lighting designs. Is this true? How do your choices create volume/presence in your object? What brings it to life? What creates depth?

Due: Wednesday 8/29. Bring images to class, ready to view on screen.