Chapter 4: Understanding Light 1: Physics of light

Natural Light
Light used in photography from natural sources, for example, sunlight.

Sunlight
This is an example of natural light. This light comes from no other than our own sun. While the sun gives surely enough light for film to be exposed at, you must still do some serious thinking before taking the picture. For one thing, the time of day will affect the quality of your photo, as you will learn.

Overcast skylight
Though related to sunlight, this type of light is different in many ways. For one thing, you will not get the harsh shadows that appear in direct sun. Because clouds are blocking the sun, light is diffused, or scattered, thus softening shadows. Also, clouds can give a dramatic touch to your photos.

Artificial light
Light used in photography other than that from natural sources. Generally it refers to light specially set up by photographer such as flash or floodlight.

Diffused light
Light rays scattered, usually because of something such as fog or clouds in the way of the rays' paths

Bounce light
Light that is redirected or reflected from the light source.
If the reflecting surface is colored, the it will affect the color of the light, thus, white surfaces should be used for bounced light unless special color effects are desired.

Bounced flash
Technique of softening the light from a flash source by directing it on to a ceiling, wall, board or similar reflective surface before it reaches the subject. The light is diffused at the reflecting surface, and there is a decrease in light power because of absorption there and because of the greater distance between light source and subject. Bounce flash is particularly used in portraiture, where direct flash is often too harsh and unflattering and can cause red-eye.