PHOTOGRAPHY -19

 PHOTOGRAPHY -19

LIGHTING FOR CLARITY

We notice fairly big areas covered in a single frame to suggest grandeur of the structure , for varied astonishments like imposing dimension, sculpture, texture, symmetry and expanse. Except items like tall towers, seascape, beach and such ‘open-land’ spectacles,most others are photographed using artificial lighting. Quite often Flash guns are employed to light up corridors or pillars to reveal structure or carvings there on. About 4-6 persons may work in picturising a large corridor like that of Rameswaram temple or 1000 pillar halls in temples. Excellent planning goes behind in such recording. The work requires a few hours and be absolutely free of visitors. Permision is obtained from authorities to stay inside the premises during non-visitor hours so that visitors do not congregate and impede view.

Generally the Camera is placed at a suitable point to capture maximum area of interest like roof, pillars and floor exquisitely painted etc. The camera is nearly anchored and all electrical lights in the area are switched off. In a couple of minutes , the area looks in natural light for all perceptible images while some appear in dark. All such dark areas are lit using bright flash [while picturising] and others [in visibly clear natural light, receive just gentle fill-in ]. For a 30 pillar coverage can we carry 30 flash guns?  Some 2 or 3 men each with a flash gun laterally use flash light for 1  pillar each from pre-determined positions. This way the items in dark receive more light . As men move inward, they also move away from a pillar so that inner pillars look less bright – an acceptable presentation. In film photography for such work, slow films were preferred ; the steady camera is kept with its shutter open at ‘B’ setting and pillars are lit by 2 people one on either wing for the pillar on his/her side. Because the film is of slow speed, risk of over-exposure is contained. Still the job is done quick to complete it so that at 2 other bracketings can be tried before winding up.

All this had to be done because, once shot, very little alterations to image can be done on film- based image derivation. The genuine advantage was, the then India had photographer personnel who could meticulously ‘estimate’ lights needed, exposure preferrable and the right film processing strategy to ensure brilliant image rendition. Computer technology has wiped out such field workers , rendered nearly extinct now.  In all technology, human skill is a casualty.

MORE TO FOLLOW                                                            Prof. K.RAMAN