Lighting Photography Manual:
1. Introduction to Lighting in Photography
- Overview of the importance of lighting in photography.
- History and evolution of lighting techniques.
- Basic principles of light: intensity, direction, colour, and quality.
2. Understanding Natural Light
- Characteristics of natural light: daylight, golden hour, blue hour.
- How to use sunlight effectively.
- Working with different weather conditions.
- Techniques for indoor natural lighting.
3. Mastering Artificial Light
- Types of artificial light sources: continuous, strobe, LED.
- Colour temperature and white balance adjustments.
- Combining artificial and natural light.
- Using household items as light sources.
4. Essential Lighting Equipment
- Overview of essential lighting gear: lights, stands, modifiers.
- Choosing the right light for your needs.
- Introduction to light meters and their usage.
- Maintenance and safety tips for lighting equipment.
5. Fundamentals of Light Placement
- Understanding key, fill, back, and hair lights.
- Three-point and four-point lighting setups.
- Effects of light angles and distances.
- Practical exercises for mastering light placement.
6. Using Reflectors and Diffusers
- Types of reflectors and diffusers.
- How to use reflectors to control shadows.
- Creating soft light with diffusers.
- DIY reflectors and diffusers.
7. Creative Lighting Techniques
- Using gels and coloured lights.
- Silhouettes and rim lighting.
- Light painting and long exposure techniques.
- High-speed sync and freezing motion with light.
8. Portrait Lighting
- Classic portrait lighting patterns: Rembrandt, butterfly, loop, and split.
- Enhancing facial features with light.
- Environmental portrait lighting.
- Tips for lighting different skin tones and textures.
9. Product and Still Life Lighting
- Importance of lighting in product photography.
- Creating mood and texture with light.
- Using light tents and boxes.
- Special considerations for reflective and transparent objects.
10. Lighting for Outdoor Photography
- Balancing natural light with artificial light outdoors.
- Using reflectors and diffusers in outdoor settings.
- Overcoming harsh sunlight challenges.
- Nighttime and low-light outdoor photography.
11. Advanced Lighting Setups
- Multi-light setups for complex scenes.
- Lighting large groups and events.
- Special effects with lighting.
- Case studies and advanced projects.
12. Post-Processing and Enhancing Light in Photographs
- Software tools for enhancing lighting in post-production.
- Techniques for dodging and burning.
- Adjusting light balance and colour correction.
- Creative post-processing for dramatic lighting effects.