Understanding Lighting Ratios

1:1, 2:1, 3:1 – lighting ratios have you confused? Let’s throw some light on the situation.

Lighting ratios let you know the relationship of how two sources of light – typically, a key light and a fill light – fall onto a subject, expressing the difference between highlights and shadows.

A ratio expressed as 1:1 would mean that both lighting sources are equal, resulting in an image of a person or product void of shadows, with minimal contrast. The higher the ratio (1:2, 1:3, etc.) the more contrast between light and shadow, resulting in images with more depth and dramatic results.

The most accurate way of determining a lighting ratio is to use a light meter to measure the levels of light reflected at different points around your subject. Meters measure and convert your light measurements to give you the best shutter speed and f/stop to use.

Datacolor’s IM150 Light & Color Meter (available in the US, only) offers groundbreaking remote functionality, in an ultra-portable device that connects to your iPhone or Android via Bluetooth, for easier, faster lighting.

The IM150 also measures color temperature and DUV, setting it apart from standard light-only meters. Along with determining your lighting ratio, you can set your camera’s white balance to the proper color temperature of your light source, plus, identify its chromaticity, thanks to the DUV measurement that addresses a light source’s green/magenta shift in digital imaging. Professional photographer Jay P. Morgan of The Slanted Lens demonstrates how to use lighting ratios to create captivating images in his video.

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