Tech Friday: Specular VS Diffused light

We often don’t have a lot of choice in the light we work in. We find a subject that we really want to photograph and we are stuck with the light the way it exists. Now we can always come back later in the day or early the next day, or if we are fortunate enough to live close to the subject, return time and time again until we get just the light we wanted for the scene. Sadly that is often not the case. If you are in Montana, on vacation, unless you’re alone traveling just to shoot, other peoples schedule or patience may dictate moving on. If it’s shoot it now, or get nothing, it’s good to know a little bit about what to expect with specular and diffused light.

Specular light is direct harsh light, in the natural world, that means direct sunlight that casts distinct
black shadows. Specular light has a magical quality all it’s own. The harshness brings out details because of the shadows. It’s great light to show texture, and shape. Angles take on a definite edge in specular light. Colors can be warmer or cooler depending on the time of the day and the angle of the sun. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to get warm light. The atmosphere filters the light and the more particulate matter in the atmosphere the warmer the light will become. In the months following a volcanic eruption you will have some of the most spectacular sunrise and sunsets. Below are a few examples of how specular light early and late can give warm colors and distinct texture to your subjects.

Diffused light is the opposite of specular, no harsh shadows, softer textures, richer colors because of the lack of extreme contrast. Diffused lighting is perfect to show softer contrasts, for portraits of people, scenes and details. It is easier to expose because the tone range is condensed. I love diffused light for streams, forests, or any knock you downs rich color subjects. For images of streams with flowing water, use a small aperture setting, long shutter speeds of around 4 to 8 seconds and of course a tripod. A polarizer will take off the reflections on rocks. Here are some examples of good subjects for diffused light.

The good news is that any subject can work in any light if you know what the light will do and how to use it to your advantage. A couple of simple rules will always help, (1) Early and late are always better than mid day for specular light. (2) If you really want to make color rich wait for a
overcast day or use a diffuser. I hop that helps in your quest to be the best you can be.
Always remember do everything as if unto the Lord……..

Blessings and have a great weekend,

the pilgrim