Knowing the difference between bad lighting and good lighting can save you from wasting valuable space on your flash cards and tons of editing time. While the difference is subjective based on intent, good light is generally directional and casts some shadow that give the subject a sense of shape. Bad light either hits the subject flatly, creates unwanted shadows or misses the subject entirely.
The quality of the light is more important than the quantity. Whereas poor quality light will be bad no matter what camera you’re using, most current digital SLRs can take a great photo in low light as long as it’s good quality. Knowing what you’re looking at will tell you when to shoot and when to hold off (when in doubt shoot).
The book Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting is a great reference for photographers of all levels.
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 2:20 am and is filed under Photography Tutorials. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Chris Owyoung is a New York City based music photographer specializing in concert photography and band portraits.
Click here to contact Chris for assignment of commission, or call him at +1.917.572.4499.
Chris Owyoung is a freelance photographer based in New York City. His work has appeared in numerous publications including: Rolling Stone, SPIN, VIBE, Billboard, New York Magazine, The New York Times, Symphony, Domino, Time, and The Village Voice. Chris is available for editorial and corporate assignments in the New York area and abroad.
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All content © 2010 by Chris Owyoung
Hey Chris!
I’d say most of the red light you get is “bad quality”… (kinda personal opinion probably).
No matter how bright it ist, the pictures are mostly ****.
How do you deal with red light??
Regards!