Module 3F: Composition and Lighting
E. 
Composition and Lighting
Composition and Lighting
Lighting can be used as a compositional tool to bring attention to the subject. The eye tends to go to the brightest part of a dark image and the darkest part of a light image.
This model wore a colorful blouse which would normally be a busy choice. A studio umbrella was used as a background element to provide a stark contrast to the black in the background. The blacks and the whites in the background complement the blacks and whites in her blouse. The blues in her blouse provide a nice contrast to the warm tonal values of her skin and hair.
Lighting control is the key to using light as a compositional element. In this image below, a snoot was used on the main light to illuminate the director without illuminating the rest of the theater seats. The controlled lighting on him sets him apart in the foreground and balances him nicely with the lighting on the stage.
Gels and Grids
The use of a gel changes the color of the light. Placing the gel on the background light changed the color of the background. The purple gel places the background in the same color family as the subject’s shirt. This helps to place emphasis onto the subject and the warm tones of her face.
Light from the main or fill will dilute the color created by the gel so care must be taken to keep stray light off the background.
Gels used on a white background tend to be less intense and more pastel.
Gels used on a black background tend to be more vivid and rich in color (below left).
The most intense colors come from using a gel of the same color as the background. In the center image below, the red color comes from using red seamless paper with no additional background lighting. The image below on the right uses a red gel to illuminate the red paper.
A softbox can be fitted with a grid which helps direct the light where it is wanted and reduces unwanted light that might spill onto the background or other areas.
A softbox with a grid was used in this image below to keep the light off the background and directed towards the subject. Controlling the lighting by keeping it off the background places the emphasis onto the subject.
