The Language of Light
A summary of the first 3 chapters of Light — Science & Magic by Fil Hunter, Paul Q Fuqua, and Steven Biver.
Ch1. How to Learn Lighting
This chapter really did feel like a study guide for book. Starting you off slowly by going over the principles, why they’re important, how you should learn and use them, and finally what you need to achieve them. The chapter starts by firmly pointing out that what you will learn will only be tools for you to use and not rules to never break. The three basic principles they go over are: The size of the light source, The types of reflections, Family of angles.
They explain why these rules are important by explaining how you might not like every aesthetic choice, but if you know how to properly use the tools. given, you should be able to recreate the images none the less. The chapter is finished by them going over how to best learn the principles if you are self taught, a student, a professional, or an instructor. They also mention a few pros and cons to using a digital camera for your practice.
Ch2. Light: The Raw Material of Photography
This chapter was on the fundaments of light. From what it is to its different forms. It repeatedly reminds you that photography is not manipulating your subject matter to take a photograph of them, it is instead changing the light around them to capture a beautiful image. Light is energy, and to take good photos you must learn to change and use this energy to your benefit. The chapter looks in depth at how photographers use brightness, color, and contrast to capture their images. It then goes on to explain how your subject interacts with your lighting, either by transmitting, absorbing, or reflecting that light back to the camera.
Ch3. The Management of Reflection and the Family of Angles
The third chapter teaches you about reflections and how they impact your photograph. It goes in depth about the three types of reflection; diffuse, direct, or glare, and it has diagrams and images to show you the differences between them. While there are no perfect examples of each, as every subject reflects a mixture of the three types, the chapter does its best to pick three subjects that best exemplify the reflection types. It also gives you ideas for how to manipulate and improve the lighting and reflections of your image if you’re taking it in the studio or outdoors.
