My
preferred style of lighting is chiaroscuro, light-dark. I adopted that
technique after studying artistic masters such as Rembrandt, Giovanni
Baglione, and Caravaggio. Many times they used one single light source
for their art. The concept was often theorized that the lighting was
from a divine source.
The more technical use of the term chiaroscuro is the effect of light modelling in
painting,
drawing, or
printmaking,
where three-dimensional volume is suggested by the value gradation of
colour or shade and the analytical division of light and shadow shapes—often
called "
shading". The invention of these effects in the West, "
skiagraphia"
or "shadow-painting" to the Ancient Greeks, traditionally was ascribed
to the famous Athenian painter of the fifth century BC,
Apollodoros.
Although virtually no Ancient Greek painting survives, their
understanding of the effect of light modelling still may be seen in the
late-fourth-century BC mosaics of
Pella, Macedonia, in particular the
Stag Hunt Mosaic, in the House of the Abduction of Helen, inscribed
gnosis epoesen, or 'knowledge did it'.
This technique of photography lighting is more often used in high fashion, editorial, and portrait photography. It does not compliment the mood element or emotion of commercial photography or beauty.
I personally perfer this style because of the emotional resonance effect. I believe that it elevates the image from being merely a photo copy of a subject to a genuine artistic expression.
The shadows and light become paint. I like the idea that the lighting showcases the human condition; positive and negative energies. The contrast creates a balance within the images.
Chiaroscuro enables me to explore the tones of my model's skin. I enjoy photographing models from many different ethnic groups and this style of lighting compliments the different tones of skin. Lighting reacts differently with darker skin tones then it would with lighter skin tones. Lighting also has an effect on the undertones (green, yellow, red).
High contrast lighting also brings out the details of the image. This works great for contrasting the fabrics of wardrobe, the texture of hair, the curves of body and facial features. The shadows and light balance each other to give dimension to all of the details that I wish to focus on.
This lighting style also has a wonderful way of assisting with story telling. Whatever is unnecessery to the plot of my intention the shadows hide, thus enhancing my viewers experince and allowing me to be a better director.
Pull out some art books and study the lighting techniques of some classical painters to add to your personal photography style. All art is simply sitting on the shoulders of the artist that have come before us.
-SHAMAYIM
The Universe is on our Side
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