Inverse Square Law—AdoramaTV from Adorama Learning Center

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Digital Photography One on One

By Mark Wallace

April 4, 2011

AdoramaTV Presents Digital Photography One on One. In this week's episode Mark Wallace explains the Inverse Square law and how it applies to photography.

Learn how to apply the Inverse Square law to lighting a subject. Don't worry, even if you're mathematically challenged, Mark explains it in plain English and by the time you're done, you'll have a better understanding of how light distance effects subject light quality and exposure.

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About The Author

Mark Wallace is the host of AdoramaTV videos

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Reader Rating and Comments

18 readers rated this article. Average rating: 4.6 stars

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0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Inverse Square Law

Very Informative video. I was impressed. I am learning so much. Thanks Mark.....

by Griotivity in Bronx, N.Y on August 10, 2011

0 of 5 people found this comment helpful

Not Quite Right in his explanation

Contrast is a function of the size and distance of the light source from the subject. A small light source far from the subject will produce high-contrast images. A large light source close to the subject will produce low-contrast images. On a cloudless day, in direct sunlight, the subject will show very bright highlights, and very deep shadows. The sun is the light source, and relatively speaking, it is small and distant relative to the subject, hence the high contrast. On an overcast day--shooting the same subject in the same location--you will have images of low contrast. This is because on an overcast day the sun hits the clouds, and the clouds in effect become the light source. The overcast sky is a much larger light source, and much closer to the subject, than direct sunlight on a cloudless day. Perhaps the instructor would be willing to clarify this issue. Instructor needs to read introductory chapters of Light-Science and Magic

by Bobbie in NYC on May 8, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

One of the best

Mark this was one of the best videos you have made. Thank you very much for group photo shoot example.

by Bilal in Dubai on May 6, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Subscribe?

How do I subscribe to Adorama TV? [Go to http://www.youtube.com/user/adoramaTV and hit the "Subscribe" button ;-) --Ed.]

by Canon 3 Legs in Holly Springs NC on May 1, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

great lesson

Always interesting... even when we already know the concept have show how much it effects and how is possible to apply it! great job Mark!

by shutterpal in italy on May 1, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

love the math

easy to understand the inverse square law when he explains it ..nice job

by Rogerwilco357 in Michigan on April 24, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Excellent explanation

Great info... in a very relatable, practical demonstration. Thanks to Mark and to Adorama for producing these clips.

by Alpha Tommy in Detroit, Michigan on April 18, 2011

1 of 1 people found this comment helpful

Great insight and explanation

Mark does a great job explaining the information in an understandable and practical way.

by Kyle in Texas on April 14, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Great Video!

I like your posts very much. Especially this one. I just want to ask why you didn't show how are you adjusting your camera for exposure (how many f-stops) when you are moving further away from the light source. Is it 1 f-stop for the double the distance?

by Simakos in Belgrade, Serbia on April 14, 2011

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful

Clear and informative

Just started viewing some of your tutorial videos and am finding them very helpful. Thank you for making some difficult concepts so much easier to understand.

by Kami55 in Charlestown, RI on April 13, 2011

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