Lighting Challenge 5, Short Lighting

[sk66]

Thanks, think I understand now.
The angles of the face in relation to the camera were not dissimilar (just switched sides) between the 2 shots but the first I had the light too much from the side. With the second shot the light was coming more from the side/ front as well as much closer with the softbox.

Yes. For most, the short (narrow) side of the head is the face; and the broad (wide) side of the head is the ear/side.

I think of short lighting as being similar to Rembrandt lighting, only with the face turned into the light some. I.e. the near side of the face isn't necessarily dominated by shadow, but the broad side of the head is.

 

[Garry Edwards]

I don't think that we should get too hung up about terminology, for example a lot of people are confused about depth of field and call it depth of focus, but does that matter if we know what they mean?

One of my personal favourites, relating to depth of field, is the circle of confusion that is used to calculate it. When asked to explain it, I usually define it as a group of photographers sitting in a circle, discussing depth of field

Short lighting, rim lighting, backlighting - all jargon terminology that have specific meanings, but surely what really matters is that we understand the benefits and know how to create these effects?

 

[RyanB]

Short lighting, rim lighting, backlighting - all jargon terminology that have specific meanings, but surely what really matters is that we understand the benefits and know how to create these effects?

I would agree knowing when and how to use different lighting effectively is more important than the terminology but at the same time for me the jargon is also important.

If I want to discuss technical aspects of lighting with someone, especially someone more knowledgeable then myself knowing the terminology would help inform the discussion and give me more confidence expressing an opinion.

 

[Boots]

OK, one more try at this.

I have grown tired of looking at my own face, as I sure everyone else has. To be honest trying to be photographer, assistant and model was rather tricky, and the quality of the image was suffering as a result. I have employed the services of Bud - he says it's karma, but I don't know about that. Now Bud has been through the wars, so let's try to not focus on the more obvious scars, like the bronze rivets in his forehead and the nasty skin condition.

I have tried to incorporate the advice given, so the soft light is illuminating Bud's face from his left hand side, to the front. A small reflector is lifting the shadows on the opposite side a touch, but not too far back.



I hope this is Short Lighting now.

 

[sk66]

OK, one more try at this.

Success!

 

[sk66]

but surely what really matters is that we understand the benefits and know how to create these effects?

Of course; but I don't know any better way of explaining the difference between the result achieved (i.e. rim lighting) versus the goal (short lighting).

(I use the term depth of focus on occasion...)