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  • Writer's pictureJefferson Figueiredo

Lighting techniques in photography and how to use them to create different atmospheres in your photo

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography, as it can significantly influence the atmosphere and mood of an image. By using different lighting techniques, a photographer can create a wide range of effects, from smooth and quiet scenes to dramatic and impactful images.


Por: iVAN (estagiário sob supervisão)



In this article, we will explore some of the most common lighting techniques and how they can be used to create different atmospheres in your photos.


1 Natural lighting


Natural lighting is sunlight and is often used in landscape photography and outdoor portraits. Natural light can be soft and diffuse on cloudy days or intense and contrasting on sunny days. It can also be used indoors, taking advantage of the light that enters through the window or door to illuminate the scene, it is a great option to create smooth and natural images.


2 Direct lighting


It is a technique in which light is directed directly to the subject or object being photographed. Light can be hard or soft, depending on the light source and the distance from the object, it can create strong shadows and sharp contrasts, resulting in dramatic and impactful images. It is a technique often used in fashion photography and portraits.


3 Indirect lighting


In this case the light is reflected on a surface before reaching the object or subject, this technique produces a soft and diffuse light, without hard shadows, and is often used in interior and product photography. Indirect lighting can create a soft and cosy atmosphere.


4 Background lighting


Backlighting is a technique in which the light source is placed behind the object or subject, this creates a silhouette of the object and can create a halo light effect around the object. It can be used to create dramatic and high-energy images, often in action or sports photography.


5 Fill lighting


It is used to fill shadows that are created by the main lighting, this can be done using a secondary light source, such as a flash or fill light. Fill lighting is often used in portrait photography to create smooth and balanced lighting.



In conclusion, lighting is a critical aspect of photography that can significantly affect the atmosphere and mood of an image. By using different lighting techniques, a photographer can create a wide variety of effects, from smooth and natural images to dramatic and impactful photos. With practice and experimentation, any photographer can use the lighting efficiently and considerably improve the final technical quality obtained.

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