Light direction

Light consists of components under constant change, offering new image interpretations. One of these components is direction.

Examples

			Larger view
Frontal sunlight Image 1. Fine details and colors emerge

Depending on the placement of the light or light sources, in reference to the camera, directions are created. The main alternate directions offer special effects, one not being more correct than the other. However, without insight of the alternatives, light can be tricky to handle.

• Frontal light (the sun in your back) – creates a well illuminated object
• Sidelight – may create great architectural effects but will create shadows
• Backlight (straight into the lens) – difficult to handle, since silhouettes are created and detail lost

Additional light characteristics

One should also be aware of the following light characteristics;

• Direct – sunlight on a clear day 
• Reflected – light bounces off light colored materials, metal or glass surfaces
• Diffused – outdoors due to clouds, indoors through passage of some material

In order to handle difficult lighting conditions, try to avoid backlighting or add manual light sources. Otherwise details and color will be lost, while silhouettes are created. In most indoor installations additional lighting, light diffusers or reflectors can be set up. This will compensate for large window sections creating backlight and reflections.

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