directional lighting: one shadow figure

This light is oriented directly in front of the figure and casts a round pool of light. It is interesting to take into account that many shapes came together to form one figure, because of the light. Light can completely transform a figure.

directional lighting: two shadow figures

I think this example of directional lighting is very interesting. The light is coming up from below the figures, casting large, looming, elongated shadows. This makes me think of Plato's allegory of the cave and reminds me that things aren't always as they seem.

Exorcist

This image is the cover for the movie The Exorcist. While there are a few other light sources in the image, the one beaming on the man is the most intense and noticeable. The way its seen compared to the other 2 light sources make me wonder what is causing this excess of light and why its shining down on this one man. The angle of the light is interesting too, as it shines downward towards the man, as if whatever is causing the light is bigger and superior to him.

Noire

The light in this image is coming through the blinds on the left, which also acts as the only light source in this picture.  The entire left side of the image is mirrored on the right side with the dark switching to the light and vice versa. As well, some of the light that does get thought the blinds hits the man's face, though not all of the light, which makes it seem like he is hiding or trying to be partly covered. The black and white also makes leads me to believe its some sort of Noire style.

Sunset Backlighting

I love the backlighting in this picture and how it creates the silhouette of the woman standing there. I like the idea of using sunset as a lighting source because they are so warm and colorful. The warm lighting in the sun in this picture really feels intimate.

Ballet Lighting

I love how the side lighting elongates her limbs and defines her muscles. This lighting is very flattering and distinguishes her from the dark background well.

Directional Lighting

From: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6614730675580821/

This picture shows the use of uplighting in landscape design. I really like this kind of uplighting for the palm trees because it frames the tree nicely and makes it appear very dramatic and important to the landscaping. I really like the use of uplighting because it selectively highlights the trees without making the overall space too bright. I also like how the source of the light is subtly hidden. In this lighting, it draws the viewer to focus on the trees, which are contrasted from the dark background. I also really like that the uplighting allows for each aspect of the tree to be highlighted and framed by the light, including the beautiful branches and unique trunk. 

Directional Lighting

From: http://www.scare-zone.com/wordpress/2011/10/06/review-winchester-mystery-house-delivers-halloween-magic/

This picture was taken by a person doing a walk-through haunted house attraction. I think this picture shows good use of directional lighting because the blue light coming from the back of the subject frames his silhouette in a unique and scary way. I like how the backlighting allows the subject to appear powerful, blocking out one of the sole sources of light and cementing a sense of fright.

Woman with Side Lighting

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/515591857324295499/

This photo stood out to me because of the pure contrast between the model's light side and her dark side. The light source is obviously coming from our left, and it seems to be pretty intense as to turn parts of her face and hair almost white. This effect also means that on her other side, her arm and hair are distinctively darker than normal. You can even see shadows formed in her shirt from how it is flowing, some areas are light, which conversely makes areas on the other side of it (not hit by the light) dark.

Back Lighting Through a Tree

I took this picture back when I lived in California and there was a bad wildfire nearby, causing the sky and sunset to be a very deep orange color. The photo was taken from a nearby tree I had climbed and The light source is the sun which, in this case, is facing towards me. I found this photo interesting because it makes the appearance of the leaves and branches all essentially completely dark, as there is no light that is hitting them since the light source is completely opposite from them. The backlighting really highlights the shapes of the objects of which it is outlining, which I really liked.

Directional Lighting

The light source coming from the upper left side of this photograph highlights only some parts of the figure’s expression. You can see the angle of her nose and other curves of her facial features on the left side, but the other half of her face is hidden as she looks down with a melancholy expression. Her hand, which holds a cigarette, is emphasized as the light falls on it very brightly. The cup is also clearly lit. I think the fact that this light source comes from only one direction makes this image seem darker and sadder, as this small light is the only point of clarity in the image. Most of her body and expression is in the shadows, which gives this image a sorrowful and shady quality, almost like a Film Noir still.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/24/lens/dave-heath-dialogues-with-solitudes.html

Directional Lighting

The light hitting these two dancers from above has a very warm, calming tone. The top light direction creates long shadows underneath them, but also makes it so that parts of their bodies are in shadow as well. The shadows it creates on the underside of their backs, legs and arms are soft and highlight their outlines. The two figures’ upper bodies are highlighted by the warm light from above, including the facial features of the dancer on the right, illuminating their action. I think the high direction of the light source envelopes this image in a comforting, contemplative feeling with the pool of light it creates.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/16/arts/dance/nyc-this-weekend-dance.html

Directional Lighting

The composition of this photo lends itself to a dramatic portrayal of the woman depicted above. The picture seems to be split between the light and dark sides. This is reflected on the form of the woman herself as she is lighter on the top and darker on the bottom. The light cast upon her makes her appear more vulnerable while the shadows create suspicion and tension.

Source: https://phlearn.com/tutorial/behind-the-scenes-film-noir/

Shadow Face

Having lighting from the side casting a shadow over half of someones face is a common technique, and generally makes the subject look more dramatic. In this case, maybe because of his older age, it makes him seem very alone or maybe sick like half of himself is already gone. 

Light and Shadow

I've always thought this style of art installation was interesting by creating an image from a lack of light. This one is especially nice as the lighting from above both generates the shadow image by is also what the characters are trying to shield themselves from.

Directional Lighting

The lighting in this photo creates drama and tension. It is so dark that the light allows us to only see the silhouette of the subject. The light allows us to see the smoke clouding the subject of the photo and draws our eye to it. This breaks up the stillness created by the lack of movement and complete darkness. I think the lighting in this photo is interesting because it highlights small details of the subject, such as strands of her hair, and creates a contrast with the shadows that adds tension.

Directional Lighting

For lack of a better word, these Cheerios show a funky side lighting, alternating between full on circles or turned circles that have a shadow that just looks like a line. On an unrelated note, the amount of effort to make this picture possible is ridiculous to comprehend. There is a half circle near the bottom right that breaks up the photo and makes an interesting contrast against the rest of the photo.

Directional Lighting

The front up-lighting gives this model new lines in his face, making his nose seem bigger than it is and making his chin disappear. This gives him a an interesting image that catches the eye and looks a little spooky. It reminds me of telling scary stories in the dark with a flashlight.