Category:

Special Project
Subject:

Lighting
Month/Year:

January, 2006
Requirements:
Definition:

This is not to be a picture of a light, but a picture where dramatic lighting makes the picture. Whether backlit, sidelit, or the use of multiple light sources, the use of dramatic lighting must predominate.
Manipulation:

Manipulation is not allowed.
Mounting and
Image Size:

Standard Print and Standard Digital
Division(s)?

Print and Digital
No. of Images

2 in each Division
Age

Image must have been taken within 18 months prior to date of competition.
Other Click here.
Note: Images not meeting any of the above requirements will be disqualified (DQed)
Background:

Photography means 'drawing with light'. Lighting enhances the three-dimensionality of objects in an image. A well-lit image will have clear directional lights sources with tonality ranging in gradations from darkest darks to lightest light (pure black and pure white should be avoided). A landscape taken head on in the middle of the day will most likely be flat and uninteresting with contrasty and dark shadows. The best outdoor images are generally taken early morning or late evening (there are definite exceptions). The rest of the day is for doing one's laundry! Good studio lighting can be very effective, but you do not need expensive studio lighting. Portraits sidelit by window light with the use of fill reflectors to add form to the shadows can be spectacular..

Lighting allows for a wide range of creativity. Experiment: don't just go with your first shot. Move your camera, try different focal lengths and depth of field. Use studio or natural lighting as a tool to add body and depth to your photographs!

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