The Importance of correct lighting
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I feel covering lighting is an important topic, especially with the increase in AI and editing software. I have had some connversations around lighting with a few photographers, some advised they dont focus on it or have any additional lighting for shoots as they do it all in post edit.
While editing tools can be helpful for minor adjustments or enhancements, relying solely on post-processing to fix lighting issues can limit your creative potential, introduce image quality problems, and result in an artificial look. Therefore, focusing on getting the lighting right during the shoot remains essential for achieving high-quality and visually appealing photographs.
Here are some reasons it is important to get lighting right during the shoot:
Proper Exposure: Lighting determines the exposure of a photograph, which refers to the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor. Correct exposure ensures that the image is not too dark or too bright, resulting in a well-balanced and visually appealing photograph.
Shape and Depth: Lighting helps to create shape, depth, and dimension in a photograph. By using different lighting angles and intensities, photographers can accentuate certain features, create highlights and shadows, and bring out textures and details in the subject.
Mood and Atmosphere: Lighting can set the mood and atmosphere of a photograph. The use of soft, diffused lighting can create a gentle and peaceful feel, while harsh, dramatic lighting can evoke a sense of intensity or mystery. The right lighting can help convey the intended message or story behind the image.
Color Accuracy: Proper lighting ensures accurate color representation in a photograph. Different types of lighting, such as natural daylight or artificial light sources, can have varying color temperatures. Understanding and controlling lighting allows photographers to capture colors as they appear in real life or achieve specific color effects for creative purposes.
Subject Flattery: Lighting plays a critical role in flattery
Relying solely on editing tools for lighting in photography is not ideal for several reasons.
Loss of Image Quality: When relying solely on editing tools to fix lighting, it often leads to an increase in noise, loss of sharpness, and overall degradation of image quality. Editing software can only do so much to compensate for poor lighting, and excessive post-processing can introduce artifacts and unnatural-looking results.
Limited Control: Editing tools can help adjust exposure and color to some extent, but they cannot completely replicate the effects and nuances that can be achieved with proper lighting during the photo capture. Lighting during the actual shoot allows for more control over the lighting direction, intensity, and natural shadows, resulting in a more authentic and pleasing image.
Time and Effort: Relying heavily on editing tools to fix lighting issues can be time-consuming and requires intensive editing skills. It is more efficient and effective to capture a well-lit photograph initially rather than spending significant time in post-processing to correct lighting-related problems.
Realism and Natural Look: Using natural or artificial lighting techniques during the shoot creates a more realistic and natural look in the photograph. Editing tools may not always be able to replicate the same level of realism and can result in an artificial appearance.
Creative Limitations: The process of capturing the right lighting during the photo shoot allows photographers to be more creative and experiment with different lighting setups. Relying solely on editing tools limits the creative potential, as certain lighting effects and ambiance can only be achieved during the shoot itself.
Personally, I'm all for getting the lighting right during the shoot, I enjoy experimenting with lighting, how it can change the look, atmosphere and much more. I also believe the clients enjoy the fact you want to get it right and like to you take your time, it looks far more professional.