How to Use Light In a Photograph

Position a single light at a 45-degree angle to your subject to one side and in front of the subject. Raise the light one to two feet above the subject and direct the light back towards the subject. Have the subject look and photograph her from above. This single light will create a striking picture where one side of your subject will be in light and the other side will be dark.

Find a location to photograph outside. It can be a nature landscape of trees and hills or a cityscape of tall buildings and roads. Position the camera so the sun is behind the camera and at a 30- to 45- degree angle in the sky; wait until one hour before sunset. This is called the "Golden Hour" where the sun provides a very warm and soft light.

Place your camera on a tripod, select a shooting location outside and choose a subject. Wait until the sun has completely set and the scene is near darkness. Set your camera for a long time exposure. Press the shutter button on the camera and during the exposure, use a flash light to illuminate your subject. To add a different look to this type of picture, use different colored light and view the results on your digital camera.