Section 5 · Visual Language

Light Logic

Definition

The internal consistency of a composition’s illumination — where light appears to come from, how strong it is, and whether every element agrees.

Why it matters

Viewers detect inconsistent lighting instantly, even without being able to name it. It’s the primary reason a composite reads as “fake” rather than intentional.

Example

Two source photographs lit from opposite sides, combined without adjustment, so the shadows contradict each other.

Note

You’ll usually sense a composite is wrong before you can say why. Having this term converts that vague dissatisfaction into an actionable observation — which is also what makes it useful in critique.