Types of Indirect Lighting for a Photograph

There are three types of indirect lighting that photographers can use in their photo composition; shade, diffuse light, and backlighting.

Indirect lighting is often used in photography situations when direct lighting is not desired. There are three main types of indirect light you might want to use when taking pictures.

Using Diffuse Light in Photography

Diffuse light is when the light is screened somehow. Filtered light through a tree canopy, or through a white sheet, are all examples of diffuse lighting. Photographers use diffuse lighting when they want a soft appearance with vivid details.

One of most common types of diffuse lighting is when the sun is obscured by the clouds. Even sunrise or sunset can create a diffuse light because the rays are long and soft compared to harsh, direct light.

Using Backlight for Your Photography

Backlight is when the sun (or major light source) is behind the subject. In essence this put the person you're photographing into their own shadow. Backlighting your subject is a good way to make your own shade if there isn't any available. To make sure your subject's face is visible, photographers can use a fill flash or forced flash setting to light the face and prevent a silhouetted effect.

Use Shade to Light Your Picture Indirectly

Shade is created when something blocks the sunlight or main source of the light. Of course, the amount of shade varies depending on how complete the light is blocked. Some shade is open, light shade, while other shade is very dark shade.

Photographers can create indirect lighting for their photography by waiting for the right time of day, diffusing the light with a sheet, or blocking the sun with a piece of cardboard, etc. If direct sunlight is washing out the subject of your photograph, placing that subject can make your photographs look more professional.

Remember to consider your lighting carefully when you are planning your photographs. Using lighting techniques wisely will make or break your pictures!