Lighting Principles and Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real Photography practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Lighting Principles and Techniques flashcards as text
What is 'TTL' flash metering and how does it work?
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.
A photographer shooting an interview indoors notices the subject's skin appears green-tinged. The most likely cause is:
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.
What is 'barn doors' accessory used for in studio lighting?
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.
In a two-light portrait setup, what is the recommended starting ratio for key light to fill light for a natural, flattering look?
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.
What is 'bouncing' flash and why do photographers use this technique?
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.
What phenomenon occurs when photographing subjects near windows on overcast days, making it particularly popular for portrait photography?
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.
What is 'clamshell lighting' and for what type of photography is it typically used?
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.