Fundamentals of Photography II Season 1 Episode 2 Understanding Light

In the second episode of Fundamentals of Photography II season 1, titled "Understanding Light," host John Greengo dives deep into the importance of lighting in photography. As he explains, without light, there can be no photographs.

Greengo starts by discussing the different types of light sources, including natural light, constant light, and flash. He explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type and when it's best to use them. For example, natural light is great for portraits because it's flattering and produces soft shadows, while a flash is better suited for action shots because it can freeze motion.

Greengo then moves on to the properties of light and how they affect photos. He discusses the color temperature of light, which is measured in Kelvin, and explains how this affects the mood and feel of a photo. For example, warm colors (such as those produced by a sunset) can create a romantic or nostalgic atmosphere, while cool colors (such as blue light) can convey a sense of calm or detachment.

Next, Greengo explores the direction of light and how it affects the look of a photo. He demonstrates the difference between front lighting (where the light source is behind the photographer), side lighting (where the light source is to the side of the subject), and back lighting (where the light source is in front of the subject). Each direction produces a different effect and can be used to convey different emotions and moods.

Throughout the episode, Greengo provides specific examples and tips for how to use light effectively in photography. He shows how to use window light to create a soft, flattering portrait, how to use colored gels on a flash to create mood and atmosphere, and how to use reflectors to fill in shadows and create a more balanced image.

Of course, no episode on lighting would be complete without discussing exposure. Greengo explains how to use shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to control the amount of light that enters the camera, and how to balance these settings to get the desired effect. He also introduces the concept of metering, which helps photographers determine the correct exposure by measuring the amount of light in a scene.

Finally, Greengo discusses the role of post-processing in photography and how it can be used to enhance the lighting in a photo. He shows how adjusting the shadows and highlights, increasing the contrast, or adding a vignette can help create a more compelling image.

Overall, "Understanding Light" is a comprehensive and informative episode that covers all aspects of lighting in photography. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this episode is sure to provide you with new insights and techniques to improve your craft.