4 tips for 4 of the most important photography triangles all photographers should know

Tip 1, Triangle 1: Exposure

We all know the exposure triangle, right? ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed. With the exposure triangle always think ISO first. Why you ask? Because you need to assess how much light you have that you can safely hand hold your camera without introducing camera movement. I always recommend 1/125^th of a second with a steady hand and a non-moving subject. I always say, if you are wanting to show creative intent of subject blur – keep your shutter speed at 125 (unless you’re using a tripod)

Tip 2, Triangle 2: Elements

For every great image we create, there are always 3 elements you need to be mindful of. The first element is light. You need good light to take a photograph. There also is no such thing as bad light. It’s good light used incorrectly! The second element is you need is a good subject or content. The third element is really important – composition. Remember your rule of thirds. Have an interesting subject. Frame your subject. Use good light and bam! Awesome image.

Tip 3, Triangle 3: Ahhhh Light!

The light triangle is direction, quality and amount.

Direction: You need to assess where your direction of light is coming from (refer to Triangle 4). Will it be front, side or back lit?

Quality: Is your light hard light or soft light? Is it a bright sunny day with deep dark shadows, or is it soft light? Is it an overcast and cloudy day?

Amount: How much light do you have? Is it under or over exposed?

Tip 4, Triangle 4: Direction of Light

When using direction of light, you can have front and back light, side and back light but you can’t have front and side. Side light will always give you shadows, and front light will always be even with no shadows.

Front Light: Emphasizes color. It tends to flatten your subject and generally describes your subject rather than interprets your subject.

Side Light: Emphasizes texture, shape and form. Shadows are an important element of side-lighting, which is useful for bringing out the surface textures and sculptural qualities of a subject.

Back Light: Back lighting emphasizes depth and separation. Effective use of back lighting can create a sense of three-dimensionality in a scene and helps to generate mood or atmosphere.

Authored by Craig Wetjen

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