Lighting? What is that?

[EchoingWhisper]

Okay... I'm not stupid. I've decided to learn about lighting since I've mastered exposure (I think). Where do I start? Everything seems so confusing, even after reading thread after thread... All I know is... Use a reflector to smoothen the darker size. Diffuse the light to prevent harsh shadows. Bounce the light on the ceiling. Ah it's complicated, as least more than exposure. I don't think what I've learnt is a good starting point. Any ideas?

 

[greybeard]

Actually, what you've learned is a pretty good starting point. Practice, practice, practice.

 

[analog.universe]

Read the "lighting 101" (and 102) at Strobist

Really good foundation in a few hours reading. The rest comes from lots and lots of practice.

Lighting theory ties into exposure theory quite tightly, it's not any more complicated than learning exposure, it's just a couple more variables that play with the ones you already know.

 

[MLeeK]

I second the strobist.
Neil Van Niekerk has 2 books out on speedlights both on and off camera.
Joe McNally's Hotshoe Diaries is good
StudioLighting.net has a lot on studio lighting that is pretty decent.

 

[EchoingWhisper]

I see. Thank you.

 

[Vtec44]

I started by studying different portrait lighting styles and the function of each light that you use on the set. I used only 1 light for a while just to see the effect of shadows then gradually add other elements.

 

[KmH]

Take note, it's in it's 4th edition:

Light: Science and Magic - Fourth Edition: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It: Learn Step by Step How to Go from Empty Studio to Finished Image (Voices That Matter)

Focus On Lighting Photos: Focus on the Fundamentals (Focus On Series) (Focal Press)

The Art of Photographic Lighting (English and English Edition)

 

[EchoingWhisper]

Thanks everyone!