4 Properties of Light

4 properties of Light

Angle. The direction of the beam. top light, up light, side light, Rembrandts lighting, are all created by placing the source to get a certain angle of light.
Intensity. Brightness of a source of light. Common mistake is adding diffusion to a source, when many times, if there is already diffusion in front of the source and is relatively soft, it is the intensity that probably needs adjusting. Throwing in more diff will reduce the intensity but probably doesn't change the already soft light quality. Because it changes the intensity, people think it's a good idea to always add more diff. but throwing a double down or dimming down the source is way more efficient and creates same results.
Quality. How soft or hard a source of light is and its spectral quality. Spectral quality can be manipulated by how thick diffusion is placed in front of a source. a softer quality of light depends on the size of the source in relation to the subject.
Color. multiple wavelengths of colored light is the color make up of a source. Color of a source is measured in degrees of Kelvin. You can manipulate color in a few ways. dimming down a tungsten source makes the source warmer, change the intensity of RGB LEDs, or add color or CCT gel to a source.