Light is photography. In fact, the word photography stems from the Greek word “photographia” meaning writing (“graphia”) with light (“photo”). Understanding light is therefore one of the most fundamental principles in upping your photography, regardless of specialization. However, this is especially true in street (and landscape) photography where the vast majority of your light sources are not under your control. The only thing you can control is your position in relation to said light.
Roman Fox, a London based street photographer, teaches us the importance of some of the lighting principles he utilizes to make his street photography pop. He clearly explains that, unlike your eyes, a camera sensor understands the world in 2D. It does not have the capability to resolve for distance nor does it have the same perspective you have when you are observing a scene. Therefore, you have to force your camera to see what you are seeing. How do you do that? By understanding and bending light to your will.
Side lighting and backlighting are the primary topics of consideration. Roman explains that unless there is a clear difference between your subject and the background (contrast) your image will end up flat. Again, the camera sensor is unable to differentiate the background from your subject. By placing the light to the side, or directly in front, of your subject the shadows and highlights will become more pronounced. This creates a lot of natural sharpness and contrast. But can’t you just boost contrast in Photoshop? What is the difference between natural contrast and adding contrast in Photoshop? Watch the video for the full rundown.