If it weren’t for light, we’d have no photographs… Aside from that, it’s important where the light comes from and where the light doesn’t come from; light directionality brings shape and interest to a photograph. One of the distinctive features of a beautiful portrait is the difference between light and shadow and where the light falls on the subject. In the case of people, it is generally more realistic and natural for light to fall on the person from a different direction than the camera. If the light comes from the camera direction it’s usually very “flat”; there is no shape to the face and we don’t see something that looks like reality. Unfortunately, that’s pretty much where all light comes from when you use a simple point-and-shoot camera; the flash is right there on the camera!
When we photograph people, we shape the light so that the portrait has a natural look to it. Here are some examples:
Light is coming from a large flash on the ground to the left of Cindy. Note the shadow on the left side of her face.
The light is coming from a small flash to camera right, creating a nice glow on Adam's left side.
Light for the floor is coming from camera left, creating a nice shape on her face.
We have light coming from directly behind Halei as well as from the general direction of the camera, creating a nice hair glow and sunset burst.
We've hidden a small flash in one of the windows to cast light directly on Halei's face.