DIY Photography

Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

Confused by lighting terms? Here’s what they all mean

Nov 24, 2020 by John Aldred Leave a Comment

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

If you’re new to working with flash, especially when shooting portraits, all of the different terms for different lights can be quite confusing. With no context whatsoever, “key”, “fill”, “rim”, “kicker”, etc. are all kind of vague and non-descript. Once you understand the purpose for each, though, the naming convention becomes quite obvious.

In this video, photographer John Gress walks us through each of the different terms used for different types of lighting position, as well as how and why each of them are used when shooting portraits. He also mentions some of the names different photographers seem to use for the same thing – often a big cause of confusion judging by some of the posts I see on social media.

Once you understand the terms for the different light placements and exactly what each one is doing and contributing to the overall image, it becomes much easier to understand how you might want to light your own portraits. If you don’t yet own any kit, understanding what they all do can also help you with your buying decisions, too. Maybe you don’t need the seventeen lights you thought you did and only need one or two. Even if you do already own one or two lights, it helps you to understand if and when you might need to buy another one or two… or eight.

It’s also worth remembering that not all light sources actually have to be lights themselves. You can use a reflector as a light source, bouncing excess light from your key back towards the other side of your subject for a fill light. There’s nothing wrong with having a light pulling double duty with the assistance of something like a reflector.

What lighting terms confuse you the most?

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

Here are some essential lighting terms in photography you need to know Confused by the tone curves? This is how they work and how to use them If you’re confused by curve and levels in Photoshop you need to watch this beginner’s guide IP ratings and what they mean to your gear. Camera makers, please be clear!

Filed Under: Tutorials Tagged With: flash photography, John Gress, portrait photography, studio photography

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

« Want to start shooting the Milky Way? Start here
Here are seven macro photography ideas you can shoot at home and on a budget »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • Instagram now has ads even in search results. Sigh
  • Panasonic has finally developed its 8K organic global shutter OPF CMOS sensor
  • Instagram co-founder hates how “soulless” the app has become
  • Watch: 14-Earths tall tornado hurls across the Sun’s surface
  • TikTok bans AI deep fakes from platform

Alex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy