Concepts

** Introduction **

 * ==== Light is the most critical element in the creation of the art photograph ====
 * ==== The art photographer understands how to use the quality of light and contrast to create appealing images. ====
 * ==== The quality of light depends on the type of light and the direction of light in relation to the subject of the image. ====
 * ==== The two types of light are hard and soft light. ====
 * ==== Contrast is the difference between the shadows and the highlights created by light. ====

** Hard Light **

 * ==== Hard light creates high contrast and/or stronger contrast between the highlights and the shadows. Hard light forms distinct, sharp-edged shadows. ====
 * ==== Hard light is generated by a single point source causing the light to travel in straight lines. ====
 * ==== Spotlights and direct sunlight are examples of single-point light sources that produce high contrast. ====

** Soft Light **

 * ==== Soft light creates lower contrast between the highlights and the shadows. ====
 * ==== Soft light is generated by multiple-point light sources like sunlight in early morning or sunlight that is diffused by clouds. ====
 * ==== The art photograph favors a soft light that wraps around the subject. ====

** Direction of Light **

 * ==== The direction of light helps build a sense of depth, or third dimension, when one side of a subject is lighter and the other side is darker. ====
 * ==== When light skims across the subject, it is known as side lighting. Side lighting is a key element in creating the art photograph. ====
 * ==== Side lighting brings out the most texture from the subject. ====
 * ==== Side lighting is most easily achieved in the early morning or in late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky. ====

** Concluding Remarks **

 * ==== The quality of light, contrast and their implementation separate the art photograph from the snapshot. ====
 * ==== Take time to study the light. The better you see the light, the better your photograph will be. ====