What is "contrast" in photography?

What is a basic lighting setup I can do to have high contrast in my photography?

• I have 2 strobes and two high output halogen worklamps as my lights. However, the truth is, I was messing around, and I got a really nice, high contrast photo....by the light on my ...show more

• Answer:

  Go with just one light. That will create a hard shadow that will add life to your photo. Turn down/off the lights in the room so the ambient light is weaker than your main light. Try placing the lamp off to the side, this will help create excellent shadows. Have you considered something other than halogen lights? I think that might be the root of your problem, the high output is work-lights are meant to illuminate everything, which tends to wash-out photos. Oh and another thing, vary the distance of your lights from the subject that can soften the effects.