If you want to improve your photography, you've got to know how to master light. In this presentation, we offer a lesson on basic lighting in photography. Get tips for enhancing natural light and using your flash, and learn about other options for lighting your scenes - for perfectly lit photos, every time.

1. Basic Lighting in Photography
Lighting Tips for Indoor Photography

2. Setting the Scene
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of
photography. When you’re shooting indoors – unless you
have very strong light – you will likely need a little help
via flashes or external light sources.
If you’re confused as to which type of light you should use
and when, this presentation is for you. For more tips,
check out this blog post.

3. Using Natural Light
In photography, natural light is best.
 You can enhance the natural light you have available to
you indoors by using a reflector panel.
 When using fill-flash, you can also use an on-flash
reflector to further enhance the light.

4. Using Your Camera’s Flash
Your camera’s flash can be your best friend – or your worst
enemy. It all depends on how you use it. To use your
flash:
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Get close to your subject – the built-in flash can only illuminate the
area immediately in front of you, so if you want to use your flash, get
a little closer.
Diffuse your flash – A camera’s flash can produce harsh light, and
lead to exaggerated shadows. You can reduce this by using a popup flash diffuser like this one by Garslon.
Use “fill flash” – Sometimes natural light isn’t enough. In this case,
you can use your flash in natural light, further illuminating your
scene.

5. Using External Flashes
External flashes are more powerful than built-in flashes, and offer
photographers enormous flexibility when it comes to lighting a
scene.
 A dedicated flash replaces your camera’s built-in flash. It fits into
your camera’s hot shoe and communicates with your camera. This
helps your camera adjust shutter speed and aperture accordingly.
 Non-dedicated flashes tend to be less expensive than dedicated
flashes. Unlike dedicated flashes, they don’t communicate with your
camera, so they require more input to be used correctly.
 A slave flash works with your camera’s built-in flash, helping to
enhance the lighting of an indoor scene.

6. External Lights
For consistently well-lit scenes, especially when shooting
food or portraits, use filtered external lights.
 External lights can be filtered with a soft box, or an
umbrella.
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Tip: Keep the lighting angled to avoid strong shadows.

7. About Cameta
Cameta Camera is a true
brick-and-mortar camera store
in Amityville, NY. We’ve been
selling photography equipment
and distilling advice to professionals
and hobbyists alike more than 25 years.
For more photography tips, visit our blog at
Cameta.com/blog.