1.19.2014

How do you design light?

What does your light say? Direction, quality and the motivation of the light are all much more important than the kind or brand of instrument you use. To get it right, use the light. 


My friend, Will, likes to light portraits with one light. If given the choice I will always use two. I think the background usually benefits from its own source of illumination. 

Three lights are generally too many for a single portrait. The more lights you use the more complicated production gets and it's almost always a case of diminishing returns. 

6 comments:

Dave Jenkins said...

Count me in the two-light camp.

Brian Hemmis said...

There is only one light source in nature-sun (OK, the moon perhaps)

Patrick Dodds said...

Yeah, that's beautiful.

Kirk, Photographer/Writer said...

Brian, you got it right the first time. The moon is only a modifier...

Kirk, Photographer/Writer said...

Brian, you got it right the first time. The moon is only a modifier...

M. Kellner said...

This article, Mr. Tuck, is one of the reasons why I love your blog. Maybe you still are that teacher from 2 decades ago, just working in a different kind of classroom.

Talking about photography without talking about gear always, that are your best moments.

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