Non-Traditional Light Sources in Photography
Non-traditional light sources are becoming increasingly popular and viable with the use of new digital cameras. Altering shutter speeds and playing with contrast allows photographers to create art by using light sources never before deemed suitable. The flickering glow of flames, the sharp reflections of light amidst glassy high-rises and the blur of taillights as a car speeds past a slow shutter camera are just a few examples of alternative light sources that are prompting this fascinating and unique photography.
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Light Painting
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Light painting is done by setting up a camera in a dark environment and reducing shutter speed dramatically. Then the photographer clicks the camera and, while the shudder is open, uses various light sources to "paint" the image. Penlights can be used to precisely draw images or write messages in light, or flash lights can illuminate certain aspects of the shot. The longer a light source is aimed at a target, the brighter it will be in the final picture. Artists can use this to accentuate certain elements of the photo, but must be careful not to "burn" others by overexposing the area to a specific light source.
Reflections
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Reflections make excellent light sources especially when there is no direct light. Cities are perfect locales for this style of photography as glass skyscrapers can block out the sun while at the same time reflect sunlight down to the streets. With the proper composition and building placement, photographers could capture multiple solar reflections converging on one location. Other types of reflections can be used as well. Artificial lights reflected off the sleek body of a car or streetlights reflected off a puddle can both create fascinating shots that play with the viewer's perception of space.
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Fire
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Fire is often a subject of photography. However it can make a stunning source of light as well for pictures where it is not the primary subject. Fire is constantly changing and moving, allowing photographers to take advantage of dramatically different light profiles (how light sources illuminate a target area) without having to change a thing. Photos can capture a fire in the centre of the frame with its light dissipating into darkness in the surrounding area. Subjects in front of the fire will have flickering silhouettes while subjects behind will be lit in a myriad of different ways as the tongues of flames brighten different parts of the subject at different moments.
Laser and Natural Sources
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Many non-traditional lights sources take a little ingenuity to discover and play around with. Lasers are one example. Provided they are not true radiated light lasers most will brighten areas around the beam of light, creating a cylinder of brightness that can be used to highlight specific areas like the inside of pipes or tunnels. Other light sources provide more flexibility. Natural sources like fireflies, magma or even lightning can be used to illuminate subjects in ways traditional light sources never could. The key is creativity. Sometimes a non-traditional light source can be so interesting it can be the subject of a spectacular photo itself.
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References
- Photo.net: Studio Photography
- Smashing Magazine: 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography
- Visualswirl: 22 Dazzling Examples of Fire Photography; Chris Thurman; February 2011
- Feinc.net: Photographic Techniques for the Laser or Alternate Light Source
- DIY Photography: Painting With Light; September 2007
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
