Google has created a free tool to help teach studio lighting

Google has launched a free tool to help teach studio lighting.

Learning Light part of Google's newly released series of AI "experiments" focused on arts and culture.

The tool combines an AI chatbot with a virtual stage, allowing users to learn about different lighting setups and see them in action. The tool is built around four different lessons on the lighting, and you can use it with a variety of well known artworks, such as Edward Hopper's Nighthawks.

Meanwhile, a chatbot guides users through eight short and to the point mini-lessons, each focused on a different aspect of lighting—such as intensity, colour, shape, position, mood, and more.

The tool does have some limitations - it's not possible to change the lights' position, so you're stuck with the existing positioning, although in many of the lessons you can move the props around.

Additionally, since the lessons are focused on stage lighting, it lacks accessories photographers would use to modify the light, like softboxes or beauty dishes. But, there is still the ability to make changes to lighting angles and intensity. 

Also, rather than allowing open-ended conversations, the chatbot is pretty barebones - only offering a series of preset responses for users to choose from. In fact, the chat bar is completely disabled during the lessons, so there's no way to ask follow-up questions.

That said, you can exit the guide at any time to explore on your own, and despite the limitations, the tool is accessible, easy to use, and of course, free. 

Let us know if you use it and what you think.