Introduction to Digital Imaging - How light affects a photograph

How the light falls in a photograph can drastically change how it is perceived.

Below are examples of low and high key images and how the light is used to illuminate the content, varying the mood of the image.

Carlh - http://photography-on-the.net

The light in this low key image illuminates the mans face in parts creating a silhouette, almost as if it is an illusion of a mask. The parts of his face that are lit can be seen in detail, lines, skin imperfections. The way in which the man is placed in the image combined with the lighting creates a feeling of threat. His face is isolated by darkness, which further adds to that feeling. 

beautyfetishist.tumblr.com/thegroundmag.com

Contrary to the low key image, the light in this high key image as an opposite effect. The woman's face is full and round, showing no imperfections in he skin. There are no shadows around her eyes, making them appear open and inviting. She comes across as someone you could approach and trust. 















My own images:

Image 1

Image 2

When the light is used correctly, wet plate images can have a profound effect on parts of models face, especially the eyes. Light bounces off the layers beneath the skin. In younger people this is not so much of an problem, but in older people this can exaggerate imperfections/lines/wrinkles. It also brings out the lightest of freckles that are not normally visible . In the images above I was attempting to bounce the light in such a way her eyes became almost transparent. 

Image 1: I felt like her face looked slightly too withdrawn with the lights on either side of her face. I took a photograph on my phone to see the where the shadows lay on her face and decided to bring the lights further down, so they shone directly below her, therefore masking her whole face. 

Image 2: Shows the results of change in light direction. Her face looks fuller, soft and her eyes much more transparent.