Chiaroscuro mini-tutorial

[Kerry Perkins]

We are re-visiting the chiaroscuro theme next week so I thought I would post a little tutorial on how to get this effect in your camera. While it is possible to get this effect with software, I find it much cleaner to get it in the original capture.

There are two basic elements to this technique - lighting conditions and exposure. Not unlike every other technique in photography! We need to look for the right lighting situation and then expose for the absolute highest tones in the image. Take a look at the image below. This is a local duck park where I get a lot of good images. Notice the tree on the left and its reflection in the water. This is just what we need! Since the light is coming from my left, the shadow on the tree and light in front of it are local and separate. What this means is that we have dark shadows at one distance and bright light at a nearer distance.

[Kerry Perkins]

Now what happens when an object, like a bird, gets between the shadow and the light? As you can see, this mallard is flying right into the shadows, but still has light on it.

[Kerry Perkins]

If we combine a white bird and the dark shadow of the background, we can get shots like this gull. I know that birds fly through this area and I try to time my shot so they are in the perfect spot, which doesn't work all the time but is worth the effort! This gull image is converted from RAW and sized for the forum, no adjustments or filters have been used. This was captured at f/5.6 ISO 400 @ 1/5000 sec with my 50D. As you can see, everything except the lightest mid tones and whites has dropped completely out of the image leaving us with the chiaroscuro look.

[Kerry Perkins]

Once you start to recognize this lighting configuration in nature, you will see lots of opportunities. These Indian Paintbrush images were exposed exactly the same. The only difference is that I moved to a spot where I could see shade behind the flowers for the second one.

[Kerry Perkins]

If you find that you have a background that is not quite dark enough, you can use Photoshop or any editing software that allows you to adjust the blacks and mid-tones. By bringing these adjustments way down you can help minimize the level of the background. Since you have exposed for the peak whites, the bright part of the image (the bird!) won't be affected.

Other possibilities exist when you have conditions of mixed light. While you wouldn't shoot in this condition for a "normal" image, for a chiaroscuro image it works to our advantage. This egret is sitting in a little pool of light amidst the shadows. Oh yeah...

Hope this has been informative and that you get a chance to go out and try it!

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Great examples Kerry. Thanks for your detailed explanations.

[Deborah Hanson]

Second that thanks and for the examples. For me, who is relatively new to all of this, need all the tutorials that are offered.:D

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Kerry, the last chiarascuro ootb theme was great but I've forgotten to go out and shoot something so I'd better get busy. You made it sound simple! :o

[denise ippolito]

Thanks Kerry, Much appreciated!

[Paul Lagasi]

thanks Kerry...interesting thread...

[Patti Edens]

Wow Kerry. This is a great tutorial! I haven't had much forum time or photography time, but I will be giving this a try as soon as things settle back down. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this!

Patti

[Christopher Miller]

Thanks a lot, Kerry! Very helpful advice.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Kerry - thanks for the advice and explanations. The egret image is stunningly beautiful:)

[Kerry Perkins]

Thank you for your kind words Cheryl! :)

[Anita Bower]

Thank you for a clear explanation!