When asked to define mixed source lighting, many of us may where instantly think of stage lighting. a variety of different-coloured gelled bulbs placed around the central stage cast a strong, multi-coloured theatrical illumination. However, mixed lighting almost always applies to a much wider spectrum of shooting conditions than expected, many of which can be fairly subtle.
In fact, we tend to encounter mixed light sources every day. If you go outside into the landscape then you will experience some form of mixed-colour lighting structure. Similarly, if you shoot an indoor portrait near a window, with natural light streaming in from one direction, then mixed lighting will impact the colour balance of your photos. Capture a product shot in a restaurant using only ambient lighting and you will still find more than one source impacting your subject.
In each of these situations, even if the main light source is clear, it's possible to underestimate the effect of reflected light. Under daylight, while the sun is by far the strongest and most obvious source, light will bounce throughout the scene, refracting and changing its properties. Then there's the effect of surface colour, which reflected light will also pick up and transfer to your subject.
It's for this reason that daylight landscapes often feature cool shadow areas, which must be controlled to prevent unnaturally saturated blue tones. Similarly, if left uncorrected, light streaming in through an open window will itself seem cool compared to light reflecting from warm-toned wallpaper in the room.
Denne historien er fra August 10, 2023-utgaven av Photography week.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 10, 2023-utgaven av Photography week.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot
THE NEW HERO13 BLACK HAS MAGNETIC APPEAL
GoPro's latest flagship arrives with new mount options and new Lens Mods
HOW TO...USE THE BEAUTY OF SOLARIZATION
James Paterson shows you how to recreate the classic darkroom effect in Affinity Photo, and use a variety of tonal tricks to perfect the look
GOPRO HERO12 BLACK
An excellent action camera - and a powerful tool for editors
VANISHING ACT
Mike Harris demonstrates a cunning trick to help you remove the crowds when shooting popular and busy locations
HERE'S A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME FROM WPOTY 2024
Leading wildlife photography contest reveals highly commended images