Light sources and direction

Have you ever wondered why your photo looks flat? It could be the direction of the light! Maybe the light is coming from the window behind you?

Unlike portrait photos - an interior photograph (as do many other types of shot) needs shadow, the right colour and contrast.

When we shoot an interior photo are taking a 3D scenario, putting into a 2D medium. Therefore we really want need to really lift the image to make it look as close to 3D as possible.

Modern day cameras often have a flash on top of the camera (or if not then a slot/hot shoe for a flash to be added on top of the camera). This is the worst place for it, but, in fairness to camera manufacturers - where else do they put it?

Take a look at the images below and read the comment underneath it … (none of the images have been photoshopped)

Take a look at the image above - this was shot as is. It’s really flat as the light source was a window behind the camera.
You can also see strong elements of odd coloured white balance sneaking into the image from the right hand side- this may have been a red coloured object or maybe an orange light bulb.

The above image has been lit from behind the camera - It looks far better because we have increased the camera’s shutter speed, eliminated that nasty orange glow, and supplemented the light with a powerful flash light behind the camera. The colours are now accurate but the image is flat and “flashy”. Great as a studio shot but as it lacks depth, then it lacks emotion.

In this final image, I have used a powerful flash light again, but this time above and to the side of the image. look at the light on the lamp shade and the tones from left to right. This image has far more depth and interest, and even creates a mood compared to the first two images.