Artificial Light in Photography and Its Impact on the Viewer

White light, as we see it, is composed of photons of different wavelengths, which our eyes perceive as different colours. This was proven through experiments by Isaac Newton, although he was not certain whether light consisted of particles or waves. Together with the development of other technology, artificial light also began to develop, which is nowadays an indispensable part of life.

Problem

White light, as we see it, is composed of photons of different wavelengths, which our eyes perceive as different colours. This was proven through experiments by Isaac Newton, although he was not certain whether light consisted of particles or waves. The fact that light can also be electromagnetic radiation was demonstrated in 1802 by Thomas Young.

Visible light, or the visible spectrum, is the part of the electromagnetic radiation range between 400 and 700 nm that humans can see, thanks to their eyes. Eyes have a huge number of 'components', but the most important part are the photoreceptors, which work together with the brain to convert electromagnetic radiation into the image that we see. Sunlight is something we take for granted, as we are practically dependent on it.

Solution and Method

Together with the development of other technology, artificial light also began to develop, which is nowadays an indispensable part of life. It allows us complete control over the intensity, as well as over the colour temperature of light, which can have different effects on humans. Like everything, artificial light also has its advantages and disadvantages.

Light with a low (warm) colour temperature can evoke feelings of joy, but can be tiring for the eyes. Light with a high (cool) colour temperature can be more pleasant for the eyes and promotes alertness, which can negatively affect sleep. Artificial light is also indispensable in photography, as there are many cases when photographing without artificial light would be on the verge of impossible or completely impossible.

Photographers in the early days used everything from candles (which were too weak) to flash powder, which was essentially explosive and also very dangerous. After that, technology developed rapidly and the first flashes appeared that did not require pyrotechnics or fire at all. Artificial light can be used in photography in many different ways, from simple fill lighting all the way to the entire photograph being illuminated only with artificial light.

Because artificial light offers abundant control, it allows photographers to use this to their advantage and thereby portray a specific atmosphere in the photograph. A specific atmosphere can also leave a certain impression on the viewer, which can be, depending on the case, positive or negative. Although it may seem to us that artificial light has already advanced considerably, some people can nevertheless recognise the difference between a photograph illuminated with artificial light and a photograph illuminated with natural light.