[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Four Secrets About Light and Flash here

[dnheller]

#1 is wrong. Diffused light is not better, it is simply weaker. Larger light sources, relative to subject give softer, more pleasing light. Overcast days mean the entire sky is large, shadowless light source.

#2 is wrong. The farther away the light source, the stronger/harsher the shadow. Closer light sources are larger, relative to the subject, making them softer and more pleasing.

The author should learn something about photographic lighting before posting as if an authority.

[KLanD]

dnheller, on 20 February 2012 - 11:19 AM, said:

#1 is wrong. Diffused light is not better, it is simply weaker. Larger light sources, relative to subject give softer, more pleasing light. Overcast days mean the entire sky is large, shadowless light source.

#2 is wrong. The farther away the light source, the stronger/harsher the shadow. Closer light sources are larger, relative to the subject, making them softer and more pleasing.

The author should learn something about photographic lighting before posting as if an authority.

I disagree with you on the Diffused light.

Non diffused light often makes highlights and shadows too sharp. Which is why most photographers use either umbrellas or soft boxes to diffuse/soften the light.

[bobwill]

dnheller, on 20 February 2012 - 11:19 AM, said:

#1 is wrong. Diffused light is not better, it is simply weaker. Larger light sources, relative to subject give softer, more pleasing light. Overcast days mean the entire sky is large, shadowless light source.

#2 is wrong. The farther away the light source, the stronger/harsher the shadow. Closer light sources are larger, relative to the subject, making them softer and more pleasing.

The author should learn something about photographic lighting before posting as if an authority.

1) And, you get larger light sources by using diffusers. For instance, shooting a bare bulb at a subject will give you a certain look, adding a beauty dish will give you a different look, and shooting into a 40" umbrella or a softbox and increasing the output to compensate for the light loss will give you another.
2) The inverse-squared law would indicate that the original author is in fact right. You are also right in that the angular distance is greater when the object is closer, giving a larger light source, and a softer light; but, the original author's statement that the power of the light drops off rapidly as distance increases is still true.

[jimNvegas]

I believe it is dnheller who should think twice. Diffused light IS better, depending upon the situation of course, because it reduces the stark contrast that direct light so often presents. In regards to question 2 I suggest dnheller take a science course or better yet simply use a flash light on a wall. Up close the light is smaller and brighter but as you move away the light is spread out and less bright thus the shadow has to be weaker. Simple science!.

[Nuke61]

Add to #1 that it's preferable to shoot faces on cloudy days, but if you have to shoot in harsh sunlight, that's the time to use you flash. Fill flash will soften the harsh shadows.

[mjd420nova]

There's nothing wrong with supplimental colored lights to lift highlights and makeup for all kinds of special effects. Rose colored lights will give a natural skin tone glow to anyone. Flash can washout low level lighting and is best used in diminished but not darkened scences with people in the foreground. Depth of field would determine flash influence and many strange things have been captured by flash inadvertently that wasn't visble through the viewfinder or display panel. Focus points need care in selection to avoid flashbacks and umbrellas offer the best of both with soft colors and diffused source.

[colbillhl4f]

Super summary that every photographer might wish to know.