Three Point Lighting
” alt=”" border=”" hspace=”" vspace=”" width=”" height=”" align=”" /> 
Yousuf Karsh, one of the most famous and accomplished portrait photographers of all time, uses light as an essential instrument in creating the desired ”look” for each of his photographs. In the photograph of Francois Mauriac that can be found at http://www.geh.org/ne/mismi3/m198130600004_ful.html#topofimage, Karsh uses light as a way of making a powerful depiction about the man. The image shows him in what seems to be deep contemplation. His body language seems to be the culprit of this impression. For example, his eyes are cast downward and his hand is cradling his chin. It looks as though he is in a reflective state. I also feel the photographer used light in the profile of this man to emphasize the man’s distinct physical characteristics such as his nose as means of suggesting something about his disposition as well. When I look at this picture, I think about a man who is quiet and wise as well as powerful. I feel like he is someone I would want to have a meaningful conversation with. He looks as though he thinks before he speaks and chooses quality over quantity in words. The photographer beautifully implements the use of light to dictate this message. He uses the ”hair light” as a means of illuminating the subject’s hair . The thread-like, “barely there” hair standing atop his head suggests the man’s age. The background light illuminates the man’s profile. The “kicker light” illuminates the man’s pronounced, unique nose, mustache, and bare, slightly wrinkled forehead. The ”main light” makes the full image of the man possible. The “fill light” contrasts both sides of the mans profile, making the photograph all the more dramatic. The principle sources of light in this photograph are front and side lighting. Front lighting makes the head visible and side light accomplishes bringing forth the details of the person (hair, wrinkles, etc.). The key lighting, side lighting, was used in this photograph to reveal the form and ”texture” of the man. I can identify the use of side and backlighting very easily in this picture. All in all, I feel the use of light is the trademark of this photographer and I admire his work.
