P#22: An Inviting of a Dramatic Entry Way

Let the Light Shine

John Siskin: This entry way picture was taken in a house that I shot for a client. This has six light sources in it. It's a perfect example of how you can add a tremendous amount of light to something and still have it appear natural and even.

For me, this shot does a fine job of showing off the quality of this house and the special characteristics that it has, while keeping them all separate. When you work with architectural lighting, one of the things that you want to do is create separation and depth so that the places you're photographing look three dimensional. (click the image for a larger version)

Audri Lanford: It certainly does that. There's no question about it.

John Siskin: Yeah. There's a light on the left inside of the entry way, there's a light on the right outside, there's a light at the top of the stair, there's a light on the landing up at the top of the stairs, there's another light in to the left that lights that whole area going left in addition to the one right behind the door.

All of this stuff takes awhile to work out. One of the things that makes it easier is that most digital cameras will allow you to tether the digital camera to a computer or to a laptop. People don't do that very much and it's a tremendously powerful way of working with lighting.

My camera requires a fire wire cord and it goes directly into my laptop so I can look at these images big enough to see all the details, where I need to add light, where I need to worry about reflections. I couldn't see all of that stuff just working off the LCD.

I think that there's a tremendous value in tethering your camera. I know that Canon cameras come with software for doing that. I think you have to buy the software for Nikon cameras. It's just a wonderful tool for doing what we do, which is taking control of your light.

To Conclude

Think natural light is the best light? You may want to think twice. John Siskin's photograph of this entry way is a perfect example of how you can add a tremendous mount of light to your shots without taking away from the natural look of the photograph.