Light

Reflection

This is where the light bounces of the object, in another direction.

Refraction

The light goes through the object but is redirected, this also dissipates the light somewhat.

Light's colours

White light is actually the entire pallete range of colours into one, the colour of objects is actually only seen due to object absorbing the colour it actually is.

For example shining a white light on a blue object, all other colours would bounce off of it (Red, Green, etc) but absorb the blue light; letting the human eye percieve it as blue; the same applies if it were a red object.

Also, red light is the one colour that reaches the furthest; which is why the sky appears red as the sun sets.

Black however is the exception and absorbs all light colours.

Shading

Light intensty

Intensity of the light affects the intensity of the cast shadow, softer lighting creates a gentle appearance on the object, whereas harsher lighting creates more dramatic shading, also lessening the colour of the object.

Distance from source of light

The distance dircectly affects the intensity on the object, fairly basic- the further away the source of light the light the shadow cast. The angle also affects the shadows cast, using the sun as an example- the sun high in the sky casts a small very central shadow on the object; later in the day the sun is lower down; the shadow is now almost twice the size and a more stretched version of the original object.

dynamic occlusion

indirect lighting

Silent Hill 3 nurse, Masahiro Ito
Considering how dark the shading is, the surrounding area would be particularly dark; accentuating the harshness of the light on the nurse, also the fact that her skin has a shine to it also shows how harsh the light is. The lighting on her is very central infront of her; the shadow casted from the gun she is holding is nearly black.

Devil May Cry 3 concept art

As opposed to the Silent Hill nurse, the lighting is coming from behind and slightly above; making the front darker. This lighting frames him and the red of his jacket makes the moons light appear a much cooler shade. Lighting from behind a character gives them a menacing appearance; the rain refracts the moons light, lightening his front slightly; letting more detail become visible.

Fragile Dreams, shopping mall environment

Lighting for environments I find most interesting as a multitude of light sources can be used in the one image to create the whole style and feel of the environment.
In this case there is only natural lighting is coming from above the building which is only shining through the windows; the further distance however shows the only detail being the wall windows light flowing through making that part of the building seem wider open and almost dauting to go near.
The overhead lighting makes this whole scene feel cold, theres no minimal tones to the image; it is an intentionally cold piece; although the light in the forground accentuates the overgrowth, making it feel more welcoming in the forground part of the environment.