Three Lighting Misconceptions That Could Be Holding You Back

Lighting is one of the most powerful tools you can use to shape your images. Yet, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding it. Understanding these nuances can make or break how your shots come together.

Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this helpful video challenges some of the most common misunderstandings about lighting. The first misconception is that there’s a “right” and “wrong” way to light a scene. Choucino emphasizes that light is subjective. It’s not about following strict rules but about achieving the look you want. For instance, cross-lighting—where light sources come from different directions—might seem unconventional, but it can create dynamic and interesting results. Similarly, overexposed highlights or mismatched shadows can be intentional, artistic choices rather than mistakes. Thinking beyond rigid guidelines opens up opportunities for creativity.

Another critical takeaway is understanding the qualities of light. Choucino breaks it down into four main categories: hard, soft, specular, and diffused. Many people mistakenly lump these terms together, but they have distinct meanings. Hard light tends to create strong, defined shadows, while soft light offers smooth gradients. Specular light has shiny, reflective qualities, whereas diffused light scatters softly. It’s also possible to combine these qualities in unique ways—for example, using a large octabank to produce a soft, specular look. Learning to manipulate these characteristics gives you far more control over the mood and texture of your shots. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.