I worked along with Ashley, Michelle, Matt, and Anika in the photography intensive (or more specifically, the lighting intensive). We spent time learning the different types of studio lighting through research and application. While some techniques were harder to master than others, as a group we managed to get a good understanding of all the lighting, and a confidence in creating many of the lighting.
As a group the two lighting techniques we used the most were hatchet and butterfly. Holding a light slightly to the side and high above the subject’s face creates the hatchet look. Holding a light directly in front of and above the subject’s face creates the butterfly look.
Examples of hatchet:
These two looks have two very different intended purposes - the hatchet is primarily used for men in order to create a harsh, masculine look, and the paramount is commonly used for women in order to create a “glamour shot.”
While these two lighting techniques were the easiest to get a grasp of and start working with, the other aspects of lighting that we researched were not lost on us. We also understood the differences between a key light and a fill light, experimented with background lighting, and utilized tools like umbrellas and boxes that helped adjust lighting to how we wanted it to be.
As the intensive progressed we also learned the value of incorporating ones personality and emotions into the photos. Unfortunately, once we learned that we need to capture the personality in order to create a great picture, we began putting too much emphasis onto trying to draw out character from our subjects, and not enough effort into creating great lighting.
Ultimately what I learned from this workshop is the basic tools and knowledge of studio lighting, the importance of personality in a photo, and the even more important fact that you can’t be willing to give up or loose technical foundations for creativity. Any great piece of art is a mix between the fundamentals and the fun.
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