Have you seen those lovely images where a subject, such as a person or animal, is surrounded by a glowing halo of light? It looks nice doesnt it? Would you like to know how it is done?
Heres how - its easy.
Place your subject in front of a light source. A lamp or studio light would be okay to use, but a window during the daytime would be just as useful. It helps if the light source is coming from a lowest angle at or just above the level of the subjects head is best. It also helps the effect if the subject has some hair a human head or a furry animal is best.
Then make an exposure reading. Take the reading from the subject. As the light source is so much brighter, it will be overexposed and enhance that lovely halo effect. The highlights will be bright.
The light source will highlight the hairy areas and strong diffused light will surround the subject. It can give a really professional feel to an image. It is worth practicing by changing the exposure (compensation) and by moving either the light source or the subject to get the best effect. You can also consider changing the intensity of the light source if this is possible.
With practice you will be able to produce a wonderful and flattering halo effect.
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com.
