Tips Fotografi Chiaroscuro (Part 1)

Chiaroscuro Photography Tips (Part 1)

In photographing the chiaroscuro technique, several tips are needed to make photography interesting. You can check here:

1. Control light and shadow

Keep in mind that chiaroscuro is a combination of dark and light so you need to consider both when photographing. The beauty of this technique lies in the skillful use of contrast between shadow and light.

Make sure the light is soft enough to bring out the subject in 3 dimensions. Additionally, notice that the transition between the light and shadow parts looks smooth and gradual. You can control the light and shadows by using black boards and reflectors so that the shadows give a dramatic impression.

Suggestion :

a. Use side light to make it easier to create a stronger contrast of highlights and shadows

b. Use a dark background because dark colors can absorb light and add shadows.

c. Lighting that is too harsh can produce harsh contrast between light and dark areas. You can use a thin cloth or diffuser to soften the light.

Dark background (left) ; Light background (right)

EOS-1D

A : Creates openings for light to enter

B : Create shadows and transitions between the light and shadow parts of the photo base

C: Black reflector to absorb light and add shadows

Chiaroscuro photos are not the same as low light photos. In chiaroscuro photos, shadows are deliberately created so that the main focus of the photo looks brighter and more contrasting. Meanwhile, in low-light photos, all areas are dark, there is no prominent contrast to distinguish between shadows and bright areas.

 

Chiaroscuro photo (left) ; Low light photo (right)
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