What is shadow side lighting?
Have you ever wondered why certain videos can make people look like they jump off the screen? Or why your eye is drawn straight to a certain subject?
More often than not, the answer is lighting. Good lighting design involves a lot more than just making sure there is enough light for a sufficient exposure. And one of the foundations of cinematic lighting is shooting “shadow-side”.
In this short tutorial video, you’ll learn how to use shadow-side lighting. You’ll be well on your way to better images once you learn to employ this simple technique.
Also known as back-lighting, separating your subject from the background is the number one advantage of this method. You’ll also benefit from nice, even facial lighting which is complementary to most people and skin types.
“Separating your subject from the background is the number one advantage of this method.”
Once you master this technique, you’ll be able to use it as a platform for shaping light more effectively. With the sun positioned behind your subject, it becomes very easy to use a reflector to lift the exposure of your subject. In this way you can harness the sun to craft your images, rather than fighting it.
If you’re looking to create more dynamic images with more depth, shadow-side lighting is a great starting point. With a little thought and creativity, you’ll be lighting your scenes like a pro in no time at all!
