What Are Non-Traditional Light Sources in Photography?

Non-traditional light sources can come in many forms. Photographers are able to change the shutter speed and change the contrast levels with new digital imaging. These images contain effects never thought to be possible years ago. High gloss reflections, skylines, taillights, flames and candlelight are all forms of non-traditional light sources.

There are many different type of effects that can now be achieved with the advances in digital imaging. These advances have allowed photographers to manipulate light sources in many different ways to create special effects that were never before thought possible by photographers of the past generation.

Reflections - Using reflections as a light source is a great way to alter the perception of space in an image. There are many ways to get a reflection that is suitable for imaging. You can use the natural light of the sun in a reflection from a glass window or skyscraper walls. You can also get the same effect by applying artificial light off of the reflection of other items such as the shiny reflection of a high gloss car.

Fire - Fire is a great tool that can be harnessed as a light source for photography. Using fire can achieve many beautiful special effects when manipulated by the photographer. Because fire is always moving and changing it is a great source for photographers to take advantage of the constant changing light source that it gives off. Fire causes different effects depending on how close or far the subject is from the fire as well as if they are standing in front of or behind it. All of these variables cause a different effect.

Light Painting - This effect is achieved by taking photos in a dark area and dramatically lowering the shutter speed. While the shutter speed is lowered, a non-traditional light source is given when the shutter is opened. Photographers use various light sources to point the desired images. Flashlights and laser lights can be used to manipulate the image in a particular pattern that they are seeking to achieve.