Lighting the Way to Better Digital Photographs

By Stan Pontiere

God said Let there be light and he saw that this was good. Digital photographers saw the light and wondered what is this thing-failed to understand it and proceeded to create millions of miserable photographs. Photography literally means writing with light. Unfortunately, many of today's new photographers fail to use light properly and the result is a total waste of photographic supplies. Everyday, I view hundreds of photographs in newspapers, magazines, on websites and online galleries and for the most part they are nothing more than digital photo trash.

Of course, part of the problem is the lack of proper composition. But, that is not all of the problem-lighting is equally important in creating a great photograph and it seems that very few of today's photographers have learned the characteristics of light to help them create their photographs.

It is ironic that cameras are so smart today that we really only have to worry about 2 things-composition and lighting. But even if a photograph is framed properly, we must use light to enhance our photographs.

The following is just a few tips on writing with light-that is, making our lighting work for us and not against us.

1. Don't forget that your flash may be just as important outside as it is inside. Using flash as a fill-in to create detail in shadow areas is an important technique that professional photographers use all the time. Sometimes, in lieu of using a flash, the pros will often use reflectors to fill in the shadow areas. One thing to remember is not to overpower the subject. The idea is to fill in the deepest shadow areas to give us detail. Often, new photographers will use flash in a manner that creates the look of a second sun. Don't overdo it-use just enough flash to fill in not overpower the subject.

2. When working indoors, sometimes the existing light is sufficient to make a good photograph. If it works then use it. If not, consider using flash off the camera, multiple flash units or flood lights to create your photograph. I understand that multiple electronic flash units can be rather expensive but, floodlights are very inexpensive. You can use floodlights or multiple flash to create natural looking lighting situations, or use the floods as modeling lights to give your subjects almost a 3D effect.

Probably, the single error that bothers me the most is the flash on the camera. In close-ups, it overpowers the subject, burns up all of the detail and leaves the subject looking like a deer caught in your headlights just before the accident. Instead use floods, multiple flash or at least flash off of the camera to create some modeling in your subject.

You don't have to get carried away but for the investment of just a few dollars, you could be lighting the scene like a pro. Fill-in flash, multiple flash or floods or floods and or flash bounced off of a white ceiling or wall will do wonders to improve your photographs.

One final tip, in days of old when painting a portrait, the artist would use the light from a window with northern exposure. It is a pleasant soft light that gives your subject a soft three dimensional look that all of the floodlights or multiple flash units in the world can not even come close to recreating.

Learn to use light properly and along with proper composition you will not be making more photographic trash, you may be creating a work of art.

Stan Pontiere has been an avid photographer since childhood. Having worked for the likes of the Associated Press and The New York Times and an instructor of photography at a college back east, I have enjoyed the transition from film to digital photography.

For more information on digital photography, please visit: http://digitalphoto.net46.net