repleo Loc: Boston

Great topic Cat. Somebody here has the signature line 'Amateurs worry about gear, Professionals worry about money, Masters worry about Light.' which sort of sums up what you are saying. Even when there is a discussion about light it is usually in terms of exposure triangle, histograms, dynamic range or noise - rarely about the subtleties of light or the color or texture or direction of light. Capturing these qualities of light requires technical skill, but I think most of all it requires the ability to 'see' light. I'm still struggling with that and expect I will be for a long time.

Can anybody suggest some good reading matter on the subject?

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RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I especiallly like pic #2.

jimcrna Loc: indiana/florida

I have been in photography for about 18 months..I think use of light is very personal..similar to an individuals "feeling"reading a poem. it means something to each individual..I also believe most of "us" take pictures where few of "us" take photographs.. everyone sees the light differently.the way light shines on a table with a glass of wine and a loaf of bread may startle and emotion in some whereas it may go unnoticed by others..I am struggling to explain it but I think correct use of light will make a photograph where as poor lightning may get you a picture. poor explanation but if one reads poetry one may understand what i'm struggling to express. also this does not dismiss composition.i also would really enjoy more artistic discussion and less technical..I realize the interplay between the two..,jim

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Exactly, Jim! And the exploitation of wonderful light has its technical aspects as well as its artistic. I set up those two snapshots of the flower to demonstrate. Both photos were taken on my kitchen table, and both illuminated by light from the window within 10 minutes of each other. That light was capable of producing many very different results, depending on how it was seen and used. Every individual will respond differently to the same set of technical conditions, and will see the same thing differently.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

I think you've explained it pretty well Jim ...... so have no fear ! Take the picture of my lady friend submitted earlier in the post. That was taken some 7 years ago and I was just a "learner". The light from a simple table lamp in a tent shining on her and another lady (my pic is a crop) caused, as you aptly describe, "a startling emotion (in me) possibly unnoticed by others". Or, as RG so rightly says, I "grabbed the opportunity (I saw) when the opportunity presented itself". The pic caused Cat to describe her feelings about it rather nicely (thanks my dear !), so yes, it has had an effect other than the "flat, drab, unemotional" descriptions of people mentioned in this post. I, too, am not the most "technical" when it comes to photography and light (read and follow the UK's Damian Lovegrove for that), but, like you, I have a bit of an artistic temperament and maybe do occasionally "see the light" when others do not. It's enough for me that I see it for myself and make an attempt to do something with it. The joys of being a hobbyist !

Here's the original and another taken in the same instance ........ for fun, interest and info.

I now use a Fuji X-T2 ...... much better performer in that light than the D300 ....... wonder how they'd have come out if I'd had it 7 years ago? One can only wonder ....... !

Nice topic, Cat !

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billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right. Light is what it's all about, and getting it right ain't easy.

aceman215 Loc: New Jersey

Thanks for this post. As one who is just starting out I’m realizing it is all about light. I’m loving the book by Bryan Peterson. He teaches this very thing. I also like the post about emulating a magazine ad. That’s a great lesson and one I might try. I love this Site. I’ve learned so much. Thank you!

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

WOW!!! Great post! Too many times, those of us who are not in "the business" take photos spontaneously, when time allows, rather than being able to plan in advance for the most beneficial timing and place for light. I love to play with lighting conditions, but am guilty of that kind of spontaneous action myself, which is why a lot of my photos end up in the computer's Recycle Bin. Thank you for raising the issue!

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kmocabee

Great discussion topic! I'll chime in with the thought that the foundation of being an artist lies in the understanding and mastery of the technical aspects of their medium. A great painter, sculptor, musician, graphic designer or photographer has to have the fundamentals in place so that they can fully manipulate the medium in which they are working. As you improve your technical skills it frees you to be more creative because you will begin to understand the relationships between what you are seeing in your subject, the output (the photograph), and the techniques that are the bridge in between.

There was a great thread about the Zone System a few days ago. Ansel Adams was brilliantly creative but also had an understanding of light and how to maximize the tonal range of the print by controlling every aspect of the process from exposure, film processing and printing that was unparalleled.

So it takes both to capture the light. You have to have a good eye but at the same time you have to understand and master your techniques to get the result you are looking for.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Personally what a lot are talking about is “contrast” and that’s fine! From the soft subdue to the harsh high contrasting light it’s all light, some subjects look best soft while others need to be shown in bold contrasty light. It’s all very subjective and completely up to the artist.
I have a saying that I photographically live by
“SEE IT SHOOT IT FOR TOMORROW THE WILL HAVE CHANGED”
I’ve told that to my students and fell photographers all my life.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

It is because it is difficult to get it right and not many of us knows how to go about getting the light right on our photographs, so any help here would be appreciated. It is something that has to be learned, so I agree that Light is a very important topic in photography.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Absolutely gorgeous! I just love this bird in flight. Perhaps you would let us know how you lit your bird. Surely it was during your PP work.

H

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Great topic Cat! Thanks for introducing it. I don't often "see the light" these days as I am more focused on subject, composition, and focus. In my early days with film photography I think I was more interested it using the light. I am going to start trying to do that again.

Shot some time in the early 70's using slide film in with a Minolta SRT 101:

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martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

All types of light works

Evening Light

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Reflective Light


Mourning Light


Back light


Even light from a Flash


Bright Harsh light