BASIC LIGHTING THEORY TO MAKE YOU A PRO
FIRST, TERMS and DEFINITIONS
Light from any source, even a Zippo Cigarette lighter unit has measurable light values. In the following lessons we will try to explain things and we will work with to help you think and start to work with light better. We will be using simple techniques to make the learning process easier.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT (MAN MADE LIGHT)
If it plugs in the wall uses batteries or a portable pack, it is artificial light.
It may be: Halogen, Tungsten, Fluorescent, LED's or Strobes.
Nature has her own variety of light, Bright Sunlight, Shady Days, Environmentally challenged days. like Fog, smog, volcanos.
LIGHT QUALITIES
Photography is the complete understanding of this light and how we manipulate it. Light falling on a subject has three dimensions.
The direction to the subject, t
he quality of the light, hard or soft,
The amount of light at the source
Buying portable lighting can be a little intimidating. Because people shop by name, brand, model and looks. Yes looks, I have seen it and heard it all across the counter. All of the above is wrong.
Because what you need to
The manufacturers next step to rid you of some money involves flash units in the 200 dollar range and the pro models are in the 400 dollar range.
The higher priced units that totally integrate with the camera are more powerful and can reach out to 60-70 feet with moderate ISO ratings. And some models may not work with some models of the camera you have. The photo industry is similar to the car industry. Ford parts fit Fords, and the sixty three Falcon generator will not fit the 2011 Mustang.
The camera controls the SB SB-900’s flash output level by measuring the light
reflected from the subject when the SB-900 fires a series of monitor pre-flashes.
Auto-Aperture flash mode
The SB-900 controls the flash output level by measuring the flash illumination reflected
back from the subject using the sensor for Non-TTL auto flash and combining this with
information from the camera, such as the ISO sensitivity and the aperture setting.
Non-TTL Auto flash mode
The SB-900 controls the flash output level by measuring the flash illumination
reflected back from the subject using the sensor for Non-TTL auto flash.
Distance Priority manual flash mode
If you preset the aperture and the distance to the subject, the SB SB-900 will
automatically take control of correct light output.
Manual flash mode
By setting the aperture and the flash output level, you can manually set the
exposure and the distance to the subject.
Repeating flash mode
The SB-900 fires repeatedly to create stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects. This
operation is useful when shooting fast-moving subjects.
Switching illumination pattern
You can select one of three types of illumination pattern (standard, center-weighted
and even) in accordance with your objective.
Bounce flash
By tilting or rotating the flash head, you can bounce the light off a ceiling or wall to
make use of reflected light.
Close-up flash photography
Close up flash photography can be achieved with use of the built-in wide-flash
adapter and the flash head tilted down.
Using color filters
You can compensate for the color of a light source or create interesting effects by
changing the light from the filters to a different color.
Flash output level compensation/Exposure compensation
Flash output level compensation is performed by modifying the flash output level for
the flash illuminated subject only. Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally
modifying the correct exposure to modify both the subject and background exposure.
Only 99 pages to go and you thought the menu at your local Chinese restaurant was confusing. Thas why buffets are so popular, no menus, you go on (A) automatic.