Exploring the Possibilities of Using Off-Camera Lighting
“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” - George Eastman
Many photographers start out as I had when it comes to the subject of using off-camera lighting. Light was an enigma, and it was far easier to avoid than dabble with it. If you are like me, you may have refused to use off-camera lighting and swore that natural light was the only way to go. After all, landscapes are taken under natural lighting conditions. However, understanding off-camera lighting does not have to be complicated, and there are good reasons to start using it if you have not.
Off-camera lighting seems daunting for a variety of reasons. To begin with, it is an extra piece of equipment to tote around. There are confusing terms and concepts such as stops, power, TTL, or EV. Sometimes there’s math, such as with the inverse square law. Some lighting units appear intimidating with their slew of buttons and menus. Then there are choices ranging from constant light to speedlights to monolights.
For many, the concern is that their images won’t look real, and it will be apparent in the final image that an artificial source of light was used. it is true that when set up incorrectly, artificial light can be readily noticeable. But when it is done correctly, one can seldom tell the difference.
One of the most important reasons to consider using off-camera lighting is that it adds to one’s creativity. Quality light makes images pop, enhances sharpness, and helps control color and shadows. Off-camera light allows us to shoot any time of day and even simulate ideal shooting conditions from dawn to dusk. Light sets the tone of the image.
If you’re like me, you have probably seen an image or two that caught your attention. You might have even thought you would never be able to take images like that, let alone figure out how it was done. However, you’ll discover that you will be able to analyze a given shot and figure out where the light was coming from and how to recreate a similar setup. You will also find yourself thinking outside the box and being more creative.
Understanding lighting basics such as settings, reflectors, light setups, and modifiers is essential. Still, it is easy to find so much information on the subject that it can make it seem even more confusing. Using light is an experiment, and there are no rights or wrongs regarding creativity. It is time to consider this often-overlooked addition to your skill set.
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