Photography Lighting Principles and Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'TTL' flash metering and how does it work?
- Through-The-Lens metering where the camera fires a pre-flash to measure reflected light and automatically sets flash power (Correct answer)
- Time-to-Light delay setting that synchronizes flash firing with the shutter
- Total-Transmit-Light mode that uses full power on every flash exposure
- Timed Tungsten Lighting that adjusts flash color temperature automatically
Correct answer: Through-The-Lens metering where the camera fires a pre-flash to measure reflected light and automatically sets flash power
TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering fires a low-power pre-flash, measures the reflected light through the lens, and automatically calculates the correct flash output for proper exposure.
Question 2: A photographer shooting an interview indoors notices the subject's skin appears green-tinged. The most likely cause is:
- The camera's ISO is set too high, introducing color noise
- Fluorescent lighting with a green color cast not corrected by the white balance setting (Correct answer)
- The lens coating is causing color fringing at the edges
- The shutter speed is mismatched with the fluorescent light cycle
Correct answer: Fluorescent lighting with a green color cast not corrected by the white balance setting
Fluorescent lights often emit a green spike in their spectrum, causing a green color cast on subjects that requires a magenta correction gel or custom white balance to fix.
Question 3: What is 'barn doors' accessory used for in studio lighting?
- To increase the size of the light source and soften shadows
- To control and restrict the direction and spread of light, preventing spill onto unwanted areas (Correct answer)
- To diffuse and soften the light output from a harsh spotlight
- To attach colored gels securely to a light fixture
Correct answer: To control and restrict the direction and spread of light, preventing spill onto unwanted areas
Barn doors are adjustable flaps attached to a light fixture that allow the photographer to control where light falls and prevent spill onto backgrounds or other areas.
Question 4: In a two-light portrait setup, what is the recommended starting ratio for key light to fill light for a natural, flattering look?
- 8:1 (key is 3 stops brighter than fill)
- 2:1 (key is 1 stop brighter than fill) (Correct answer)
- 1:1 (both lights at equal power)
- 16:1 (key is 4 stops brighter than fill)
Correct answer: 2:1 (key is 1 stop brighter than fill)
A 2:1 lighting ratio (key light one stop brighter than fill) provides natural-looking dimensionality without harsh shadows, a common starting point for flattering portraits.
Question 5: What is 'bouncing' flash and why do photographers use this technique?
- Firing multiple flashes in rapid succession to freeze motion
- Directing flash at a ceiling or wall so reflected light falls softly on the subject (Correct answer)
- Using two flash units simultaneously for balanced exposure
- Triggering flash wirelessly to avoid camera shake
Correct answer: Directing flash at a ceiling or wall so reflected light falls softly on the subject
Bouncing flash redirects light off a large surface like a ceiling or wall, effectively creating a much larger, softer light source that produces flattering, natural-looking illumination.
Question 6: What phenomenon occurs when photographing subjects near windows on overcast days, making it particularly popular for portrait photography?
- Specular highlights are exaggerated, making skin appear oily and detailed
- The entire overcast sky acts as a giant diffuser, creating large, even, soft light through the window (Correct answer)
- The color temperature drops dramatically, requiring significant white balance correction
- Catchlights disappear because the light has no defined source direction
Correct answer: The entire overcast sky acts as a giant diffuser, creating large, even, soft light through the window
Overcast conditions turn the entire sky into a massive diffuser, so window light on cloudy days is very large and soft, creating flattering, even illumination ideal for portraits.
Question 7: What is 'clamshell lighting' and for what type of photography is it typically used?
- Using a single light positioned directly behind the subject for silhouette images
- Two lights placed above and below the subject facing each other to produce virtually shadowless, glamour-style illumination (Correct answer)
- A technique using reflective shells placed around a light to increase output
- Placing the main light inside a clam-shaped modifier for dramatic side lighting
Correct answer: Two lights placed above and below the subject facing each other to produce virtually shadowless, glamour-style illumination
Clamshell lighting uses a key light above and a fill/reflector below the subject, angled toward each other, producing smooth, flattering light commonly used in beauty and fashion photography.
Photography Lighting Principles and Techniques 4
What is 'TTL' flash metering and how does it work?