Back after Christmas

So we have had our first lesson of the term! We had a lecture from Nigel about Lighting and the fundamentals of Light. He talked about the science of light, how it works in photography,different types of lighting and how lighting improves our work. We were then given the task to get two images (painting or photograph) and talk about the lighting in the two images.

The Naiads painting by Damascus.  The main light source is from above, probably the sun but the way it is painted it is acting as a spotlight.  There is diffused reflection with the light reflecting on the water and on the hair.  There is a circle of shadow around the spotlight  and in the depths of the water.  The reflected light is hitting the faces of the girls, lily pads and snake.

A photograph of Marilyn Monroe.  The main light source is the sun as she is out side and appears to be natural light.  It is back lit and there is diffused reflection with the light hitting the hair giving a soft glow effect. The light hits the hair and body, hitting back against the rest of the body giving the highlights on her face.  The shadows cast underneath the arms and chest.