Outdoors, it's the light: For discussion: When planning shots outdoors with natural light, would the light be the most controlling factor or is it the composition, or both? I suppose...

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

For discussion:
When planning shots outdoors with natural light, would the light be the most controlling factor or is it the composition, or both? I suppose it depends a lot on the intended subject, whether or not it's more dramatic in certain lighting situations. I'm asking because I want to hear from those who have experience with this, who plan ahead, so I can learn to be more deliberative in my shooting and get out of the snapshooter mode.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Always both to get the most appealing image.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

There is many factors that you would have to consider, such as direct light, time of day, and as well as shadows or shade. Light can be a friend or foe, it depends on as photographer to make the right decision with it.

srt101fan

gvarner wrote:

For discussion:
When planning shots outdoors with natural light, would the light be the most controlling factor or is it the composition, or both? I suppose it depends a lot on the intended subject, whether or not it's more dramatic in certain lighting situations. I'm asking because I want to hear from those who have experience with this, who plan ahead, so I can learn to be more deliberative in my shooting and get out of the snapshooter mode.

When you have a chance to get a shot of "Nessie", lighting and composition take a backseat to subject....of course paying attention to them will enhance the image.

Radioactive Loc: Bellingham

Sunrise works for me, but with a sunrise shot I check many other factors. Where will the sun be rising, cloud conditions, wind, and other factors. Go with what gets you the best results.
Bill

out4life2016 Loc: Bellingham, Washington

Bright direct sunlight is not what your usually looking for. However the fast you learn to get out the preset modes and shooting in manual the more you will be able to compensate for the different light conditions that your going to run into.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I usually go out specifically in search of interesting light, especially low-angle (near sunrise) or backlighting. Plus I like to photograph areas with fog and mist. So composition would depend on what I find and where.

Steve Lew's topic of a couple of days ago has some advice about dealing with "what is." There are ways to compose or edit, such as for black & white, for just about any lighting conditions. Here's his topic.

And no doubt you've seen my many references to the four-part series on light that we did in For Your Consideration in May/June

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Ideally both, however sometimes, you have to take what you can get.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

gvarner wrote:

... get out of the snapshooter mode.

Have you ever posted any photos to UHH? If you're shy about that, you could send via a pm to a "trusted" (and/or admired

) member for advice.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Linda From Maine wrote:

Have you ever posted any photos to UHH? If you're shy about that, you could send via a pm to a "trusted" (and/or admired

) member for advice.

Back in 2014 (at least)

ppkwhat Loc: Gibsonton, FL

gvarner wrote:

For discussion:
When planning shots outdoors with natural light, would the light be the most controlling factor or is it the composition, or both? I suppose it depends a lot on the intended subject, whether or not it's more dramatic in certain lighting situations. I'm asking because I want to hear from those who have experience with this, who plan ahead, so I can learn to be more deliberative in my shooting and get out of the snapshooter mode.

I also would keep at hand a good circular polarizing filter for the lens you intend to use. It helps a lot, mainly on brigh sunny days.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

gvarner wrote:

For discussion:
When planning shots outdoors with natural light, would the light be the most controlling factor or is it the composition, or both? I suppose it depends a lot on the intended subject, whether or not it's more dramatic in certain lighting situations. I'm asking because I want to hear from those who have experience with this, who plan ahead, so I can learn to be more deliberative in my shooting and get out of the snapshooter mode.

Try shooting with no light, indoors or out, and you’ll have your answer.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Longshadow wrote:

Always both to get the most appealing image.

Right! I would place composition first and light second. First you see that great scene. Then you make sure the light is just right. If it's not, you go back later and try again.

Largobob

Both light and composition are important. But so are subject, focus, exposure, and tens of other things. It's been my experience that you can have everything else right, but if the light isn't right...It's not a very interesting image.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You know that light is what makes photography, that important it is. We tend to use the quality of that light for a majority of our subjects hence we tend to shoot in the soft light of early morning and late evening. Many of our subjects, like portraits, are shot often under contrasty conditions and our tendency is to use flash as a fill-in light to reduce the contrast. We control lighting in the studio.
Some subjects do better with side or backlighting. The color of light changes in early morning hours and late in the evening and it also changes with the source of light. Too many variants so we just adapt our subjects to those conditions.
Composition is nothing if you do not have the right light. As I said, light is everything in photography and once you have the right light then use the appropriator visual design to compliment the subject.