In Protography Class Today I Learned The Most Important Element to Taking the Perfect Photo - Lighting

I took a photography class and we learned about the elements of the perfect photo. The most important thing we learned about was lighting.

This is a photo of me taken in class that shows the effect good lighting can have on a shot. I love it. I look like a sexy superstar!

Here is what I learned about in class today:

The most memorable photos have the unique ability to capture a moment in time, which we will likely never see again – an element that makes them exceptional, and heighten their emotional resonance. But despite these photos being one-offs, they point out events, people, or things, that society benefits from learning about. Most did not aim to fit this role, they were taken by someone who wanted other to see what they were viewing and they hoped that the picture would represent the feeling they had when viewing it.

In addition to the subject matter in the photos, what was the most important elements about the photos that made them special? And how can someone get a perfect (if not iconic photo)? There is a list of basic fundamental considerations that if followed, will greatly enhance the chances of getting a perfect photo.

These include:
1. Choice of Subject
2. Picture Composition
3. Capturing the Right Moment
4. The Color
5. Lighting

All of these elements are critical, but experts agree that the most important aspect is lighting.

Lighting

Photography literally means painting with light, and the single most important element to creating a perfect photo is getting the light right. Lighting in a photo cannot be overemphasized and its correct use will determine whether things look below average or special. Having a good understanding of lighting can make the difference between a faded, rather dull image, or a vibrant warm feel that draws you into the scene. A great photographer trains himself to understand how light interacts with our environment and how to capture a scene utilizing this interaction. The camera becomes the recording medium that will capture an image produced by the light.

Light is governed by many laws of physics. These laws can be manipulated in ways that produce predictable results. Anyone can get a perfect photo; however, by understanding the laws and manipulating them accordingly. Whether it be natural or artificial light the quality, direction and full understanding of how to use of light is what's important. Light helps to create a particular mood within the photograph and can bring emphasis to key elements within a frame. Likewise, light can help create depth and textures in an image by creating a mix of highlights and shadows.

When working with light, there are important things to consider:

Direction - Where is the light source located relative to the scene? Is the subject side lit, or back lit?
Quantity - How strong is the light? How do you create contrasts with this light?
Quality - What kind of light is illuminating the subject? How “soft” or “hard” the light is, and the difference between “warm” and “cool” light.
Composition - Stunning photographs have a sense of compositional form and balance that is pleasing to the eye. It strikes a perfect balance between the darkest and brightest regions in a photo, where details become obscured.
Timing - Catching the right light at the right moment for the shot.

You must master all of the key things to be a great photographer but If you can master lighting, you are more than halfway there.

I am only at the beginning of my journey with photography, have a long way to go before I am a good photographer but I look forward to the journey.

Thanks for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed it.

Love, ThaiCryptoKitty