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Photography Lighting

Photography lighting is about making the best use of your light sources to better create more pleasing and effective photos.

...create photos with impact

Here you will find out how to work with existing light sources to create photos with impact.

If you ask people what photography lighting is about, most will say it has something to do with the built-in flash on the camera. For a lot of people, this is what is available to them and this is what they know how to use.

For creative photographers such as yourself, the on-camera, built-in flash is just another light source for you to work with.

What does "light source" mean?

Light Sources

A light source is simply a source of light that provides illumination for your subject. This light source can be anything from the sun to the glow of theater running lights.

By mentioning the sun and theater running lights, I want to make clear to you that light doesn't have to come only from above you.

Light is something that allows your eye to see your subject. Whether it comes from above, below, to the side or behind the subject is something for you to make use of in the best possible way.

Creative photography lighting is to harness the direction of light sources to fit your vision.

Built-In Flash

For a lot of photographers, the built-in flash seems to be the best way to ensure proper exposure.

Depending on what you are trying to achieve with your photograph, this may not be true.

On-camera, built-in flashes throw out very flat, very harsh light.

If your photography is to have this look, then this is what is best.

However, if you wish to achieve something different from this, then you will have to make use of light other than from your built-in flash.

How do you do this?

Lighting 101 - Free E-Book

I am very pleased to share with you David Hobby's Lighting 101 E-Book. David Hobby is the photographer behind www.strobist.com, (opens in a new web browser window) a popular site about lighting.

His philosophy is to ensure a balance between ambient light and the output of your flash equipment.

Personally, I am a fan of David Hobby and his writing which is why I was very excited to get permission from him to host his free E-Book, Lighting 101 on www.digital-slr-photography-tips.com!

David takes away the confusion of off-camera lighting and explains off-camera lighting in a simple to understand manner.

When you are ready, please download the free E-Book, Lighting 101 here. Please note that this link will open up in a new window.

Love your camera. Love yourself. Love your photos.