This is from an eHow.com article from Feb 2009 (yes, I do keep things this long especially when they're this good!)
Proper lighting is one of the most crucial elements of a good picture, yet is one of the most commonly overlooked. Follow these simple steps to make sure your pics impress.
Step 1 -
Determine the "dominant light source." An easy way to do this is to look at the shadows in the area - they will point away from the dominant light source. If there are multiple light sources, the dominant one will create the darkest shadows.
Step 2 -
Decide what type of shot you're after. Usually you'll be wanting a fully-lit shot of your subject with as little shadow as possible.
Step 3 -
If you're going for a normal, well-lit photo, shoot away from the light source. This will eliminate harsh shadows and make sure your subject is lit up in your pic.
Other Tips -
- Don't rely on the flash! Most digital cameras have an automatic flash that's there to "fill" in bad lighting situations. Problem is, it's usually a pretty harsh light, and can wind up reflecting off your subject and making them look washed out. If there's enough light in the area and you're following these steps, turn the flash off!
- If you're outside during the day, the dominant light source is easy to find - not much is going to outshine that big light in the sky. Shoot away from the sun whenever possible.
- Don't stifle your creativity. Odds are you've got over a hundred shots to waste on that camera of yours - use them. This is simply how to properly light a photo - sometimes improper shots can accidentally wow everyone with your artistic ability!
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