Seeing Light: Any good youtube videos, books or classes you'd all suggest about seeing light? I have some pictures that turn out fabulous and some that fall flat. I'd like to...

scuff

Any good youtube videos, books or classes you'd all suggest about seeing light? I have some pictures that turn out fabulous and some that fall flat. I'd like to understand it all a little better. Thanks.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

One of my favorite books, back from film days, is Galen Rowell's "Mountain Light."
https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Light-Search-Dynamic-Landscape/dp/B00A177GFO

Also, check to see if your local library offers free access to lynda.com through their e-learning program.

In the meantime, you might be interested in a series we did in For Your Consideration, one of the specialty sections of UHH.
Direction: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-529331-1.html
Composition: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-534411-1.html

A benefit to reviewing a UHH share series like this is you can contact any of the photographers directly via pm if you have questions

If you haven't checked into all the specialty sections of UHH yet, click on "all sections" at the bottom of this page.

All the best!

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

This is an oldie but goodie from Joe Edelman describing how to see light by taking pictures of an egg while moving a permanent light.
It sounds silly but it actually has some very good fundamental information to see the light (pun intended).
Joe Edelman has dozens of excellent youtube videos that are informative and very entertaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM7CcUrUD2g&ab_channel=JoeEdelman

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

klaus wrote:

This is an oldie but goodie from Joe Edelman describing how to see light by taking pictures of an egg while moving a permanent light.
It sounds silly but it actually has some very good fundamental information to see the light (pun intended).
Joe Edelman has dozens of excellent youtube videos that are informative and very entertaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM7CcUrUD2g&ab_channel=JoeEdelman

Funny you should mention Joe. I knew him about 40 years ago. (Geeze I'm old!)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Regarding the reference to lynda.com I made above, look for Ben Long's "The Practicing Photographer." If your library isn't a participant, you can try the site free for 30 days.

I think the videos are mostly excellent quality. They are set up in short chapters you can go back to easily, and there is a text accompaniment. Lots of nice features there.

Internet articles compiled for some of the FYC series:
Harsh and Soft light, plus Intensity - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=2869
Shoot for the light - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=2876

.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

scuff wrote:

Any good youtube videos, books or classes you'd all suggest about seeing light? I have some pictures that turn out fabulous and some that fall flat. I'd like to understand it all a little better. Thanks.

Google the term "contemplative photography"

Here is a tidbit:

http://seeingfresh.com/

deer2ker Loc: Nashville, TN

I've gotten a lot of great info from one of our own "Linda of Maine" ;) She really has a lot of practical advice for using light! I also love the videos from Sean Tucker https://www.youtube.com/user/seantuckermerge/featured "A philosophical Approach to Life and Capturing Light" Very inspirational!

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Here's another good video by Peter Hurley (Mr. Shabang) explaining the Inverse Square Law (light falloff over distance).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO-J42VM448&ab_channel=Fstoppers

Ron Dial Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador

Two books I would refer you to. "Photographic Lighting" John child and Mark Galer, Focal Press, first published 1999. Excellent book on getting you to see the light. and "Learning to see Creatively", Bryan Peterson by AmPhoto Press, a dividion or Watson-Guptill Publications, 1988. Bit dated, but it is still a book I look at prior to going out on an assignment, gets you thinking in the right direction.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

scuff wrote:

I have some pictures that turn out fabulous and some that fall flat.

Understanding is good, but processing can help.

scuff

I didn't even realize that section existed. Thanks!

Linda From Maine wrote:

One of my favorite books, back from film days, is ... (show quote)

AlohaBob Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Excellent link. Thanks!

Gene51 wrote:

Google the term "contemplative photography"

Here is a tidbit:

http://seeingfresh.com/

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

Linda From Maine wrote:

In the meantime, you might be interested in a seri... (show quote)

Wow! Thanks Linda! As a newbie this is great info for me!

retired2014 Loc: Indiana

scuff wrote:

Any good youtube videos, books or classes you'd all suggest about seeing light? I have some pictures that turn out fabulous and some that fall flat. I'd like to understand it all a little better. Thanks.

I don't recall the authors name but "Chasing The Light" is my favorite photography book on lighting. I've re-read it several times in the past several years.

Designdweeb Loc: Metro NYC & East Stroudsburg, PA

Maybe looking at some Rembrandts, Carravaggio (spelling?), Paul Strand and/or Vermeers could help a little bit.