When to use a hair light?

[dphoto]

Hello all,

This may seem like a stupid question, but when should a hair light be used? I was just looking on the photoflex web site, and the before and after shots for using a hair light look almost the same. I think I notice a difference, but I'm not sure. Does anyone have a definitive before and after shot that shows that the hair light actually improves the image? And when should such a light be used? Should it be reserved for shots where the hair is difficult to see for some reason?

Thanks a lot. This one has always been a mystery to me. :D
-Deva

[Ballen Photo]

Hello all,

This may seem like a stupid question, but when should a hair light be used? I was just looking on the photoflex web site, and the before and after shots for using a hair light look almost the same. I think I notice a difference, but I'm not sure. Does anyone have a definitive before and after shot that shows that the hair light actually improves the image? And when should such a light be used? Should it be reserved for shots where the hair is difficult to see for some reason?

Thanks a lot. This one has always been a mystery to me. :D
-Deva

You would want to use a hairlight whenever you want that halo glowing around the edges of the hair look(kind of a back lit by the Sun effect), or simply need separation of the hair from the backdrop via contrast.
.......Bruce

[robertwgross]

I've found that the darker the hair color, the more it needs a hair light from the side.

I've also fooled around with a backlit hair light. Sometimes it works good, and sometimes it is overkill. It depends on the background colors and how that contrasts with the hair color.

Sometimes hair is shiny and reflects easily. Sometimes it is dull and will seem to absorb every ray of light that hits it.

---Bob Gross---

[Ballen Photo]

I've found that the darker the hair color, the more it needs a hair light from the side.

I've also fooled around with a backlit hair light. Sometimes it works good, and sometimes it is overkill. It depends on the background colors and how that contrasts with the hair color.

Sometimes hair is shiny and reflects easily. Sometimes it is dull and will seem to absorb every ray of light that hits it.

---Bob Gross---

Good points.
-Bruce

[dphoto]

Thanks for the comments guys. Do you (or anyone else) have any example photos that I could look at? I think I understand what you're saying, but I'm having a hard time visualizing.

Thanks again,
-Deva