Considering the Aspects of Light: part 4 - Composition
Jun 4, 2018 07:30:11 #
This project is the result of a collaborative effort among several members. We greatly appreciate the response and participation throughout this series!
Previous discussions:
Part 1 Direction
Part 2 the Qualities of Harsh and Soft
Part 3 Color
Over the past three chapters we have studied how direction, quality, intensity and the colors of light all impact our images. We've heard from folks who have learned to make the best use of whatever light is available and we have touched on editing as a tool to enhance the mood of the moment. We've even seen examples of light as the subject! I posted more articles about shooting for the light, and shooting light as the subject here.
To wrap up the series, let's discuss how to use light to strengthen your composition:
Focal Point - Our eye is naturally drawn to the brightest area of the image. Establish your focal point by placing your subject there. Think of the sun as a spotlight.
Distribution of light - Does the distribution of bright/dark areas feel balanced or unbalanced? Which is best for the story you want to tell? One composition aid is to squint at the scene to reduce details and see the light/shadow areas more prominently. Another is to set your camera style to black & white and view through the LCD (shoot raw+jpg to retain your color image).
Contrast - Strong contrasts in tones add drama and draw us to those areas of the frame. Heavily shadowed areas can help separate subjects from the background. For more tips on using light and shadow, click here.
Depth - Light can be used to draw us into the frame and give a three-dimensional feel. Two examples:
Atmospheric perspective In fog, mist and haze, elements lose contrast, color saturation and color temperature as they recede in the distance.
Tonal perspective Just as warm colors tend to advance and cool colors recede, a light object against a dark background will give that same feeling of dimension.
Leading Lines - To establish leading lines, use long shadows, shafts of light or artificial lights at night.
Editing aids - dodge and burn, gradient tool, vignette.
Please share a photo and discuss how you used light to strengthen your composition.
Thanks for participating!
-
Previous discussions:
Part 1 Direction
Part 2 the Qualities of Harsh and Soft
Part 3 Color
Over the past three chapters we have studied how direction, quality, intensity and the colors of light all impact our images. We've heard from folks who have learned to make the best use of whatever light is available and we have touched on editing as a tool to enhance the mood of the moment. We've even seen examples of light as the subject! I posted more articles about shooting for the light, and shooting light as the subject here.
To wrap up the series, let's discuss how to use light to strengthen your composition:
Focal Point - Our eye is naturally drawn to the brightest area of the image. Establish your focal point by placing your subject there. Think of the sun as a spotlight.
Distribution of light - Does the distribution of bright/dark areas feel balanced or unbalanced? Which is best for the story you want to tell? One composition aid is to squint at the scene to reduce details and see the light/shadow areas more prominently. Another is to set your camera style to black & white and view through the LCD (shoot raw+jpg to retain your color image).
Contrast - Strong contrasts in tones add drama and draw us to those areas of the frame. Heavily shadowed areas can help separate subjects from the background. For more tips on using light and shadow, click here.
Depth - Light can be used to draw us into the frame and give a three-dimensional feel. Two examples:
Atmospheric perspective In fog, mist and haze, elements lose contrast, color saturation and color temperature as they recede in the distance.
Tonal perspective Just as warm colors tend to advance and cool colors recede, a light object against a dark background will give that same feeling of dimension.
Leading Lines - To establish leading lines, use long shadows, shafts of light or artificial lights at night.
Editing aids - dodge and burn, gradient tool, vignette.
Please share a photo and discuss how you used light to strengthen your composition.
Thanks for participating!
-
Jun 4, 2018 07:30:39 #
Distribution of Light -
While I love the drama of high contrast lighting, there are times when nature presents a more mellow moment. Overall, I feel the light in this shot is evenly distributed, which is what gives the image its gentle mood. Not a ripple on the pond to disturb the pastel reflections and the darker greens at both top and bottom help keep our eyes within the frame.
The bird is positioned against the only bit of blue sky; however, I suspect that the pop of red against its black body is primarily what draws your eye.
While I love the drama of high contrast lighting, there are times when nature presents a more mellow moment. Overall, I feel the light in this shot is evenly distributed, which is what gives the image its gentle mood. Not a ripple on the pond to disturb the pastel reflections and the darker greens at both top and bottom help keep our eyes within the frame.
The bird is positioned against the only bit of blue sky; however, I suspect that the pop of red against its black body is primarily what draws your eye.
Jun 4, 2018 07:32:06 #
Focal Point -
These photos belong to AzPicLady. Kathy knew she'd be out of the country for this final chapter, so she generously sent me a couple of photos to share. In her own words:
In the first image, there are several saguaro marching up the mountain. But I wanted the crooked one as the focal point. Making it be well lit but against a shadowed (dark) background makes it be the one that draws the eyes first. In the case of the candida tulips, with the plant in shadow, putting a bit of light on the blossoms themselves means they stand out from the plant.
These photos belong to AzPicLady. Kathy knew she'd be out of the country for this final chapter, so she generously sent me a couple of photos to share. In her own words:
In the first image, there are several saguaro marching up the mountain. But I wanted the crooked one as the focal point. Making it be well lit but against a shadowed (dark) background makes it be the one that draws the eyes first. In the case of the candida tulips, with the plant in shadow, putting a bit of light on the blossoms themselves means they stand out from the plant.
Jun 4, 2018 10:15:02 #
Hi, Linda,
Your examples certainly set the stage for what I am sure will provide structure for an illuminating discussion (any perceived puns are intended...).
On a cold, December Sunday morn, while I was considering perspectives on this old, abandoned church, the slowly rising sun locally brightened the heavy overcast. As the soft background light approached registration with the steeple, the optimal composition...and the title (“...and still they attend...”) firmly grasped my wandering consciousness.
Dave
Your examples certainly set the stage for what I am sure will provide structure for an illuminating discussion (any perceived puns are intended...).
On a cold, December Sunday morn, while I was considering perspectives on this old, abandoned church, the slowly rising sun locally brightened the heavy overcast. As the soft background light approached registration with the steeple, the optimal composition...and the title (“...and still they attend...”) firmly grasped my wandering consciousness.
Dave
Jun 4, 2018 10:16:07 #
Linda, beautiful picture. I love the softness of the cat tails and reflected sky, against which your black bird captures our attention.
Jun 4, 2018 10:18:42 #
Uuglypher wrote:
Sometimes Ma Nature rewards us. I am a big fan (and practitioner) of right time/right place, but making the most of the moment requires "the eye," I think. Thank you, Dave!While I was considering perspectives on this old, abandoned church, the slowly rising sun locally brightened the heavy overcast...
Jun 4, 2018 10:24:53 #
fergmark wrote:
Thank you! One of the times I knew exactly what I wanted when I opened the raw file to edit Linda, beautiful picture. I love the softness of the cat tails and reflected sky, against which your black bird captures our attention.
Jun 4, 2018 10:48:03 #
silhouettes are often what I seek out. The first is in Joshua Tree. I banged this off as the last shot of the day, taken long after sunset, at 3200 iso. Not until later did I realize there were figures silhouetted against the sky. I usually avoid having people in my shots, but their appearance in this one gave it a story it otherwise wouldn't have had.
the second one is an interesting layering of silhouetted forms, both light on dark, and dark on light.
the second one is an interesting layering of silhouetted forms, both light on dark, and dark on light.
Jun 4, 2018 10:56:52 #
fergmark wrote:
#1 - Oh the serendipity gods were with you! Absolutely a more engaging story IMO. silhouettes are often what I seek out. The first is in Joshua Tree. I banged this off as the last shot of the day, taken long after sunset, at 3200 iso. Not until later did I realize there were figures silhouetted against the sky. I usually avoid having people in my shots, but their appearance in this one gave it a story it otherwise wouldn't have had.
the second one is an interesting layering of silhouetted forms, both light on dark, and dark on light.
the second one is an interesting layering of silhouetted forms, both light on dark, and dark on light.
#2 requires more thoughtful study. I admit I might not have seen the "light on dark and dark on light" aspect you described. I used to be of the mindset, "I know what I like!" But from many conversations here in FYC and elsewhere, I realized that art appreciation can be learned
Many thanks for posting, fergmark!
Jun 4, 2018 11:20:24 #
This is an intriguing shot. The light on the cattails and reeds emphasizes their form and lines and pulls me into the shot. I am held there by the brightness of the reflection on the water. Everything is focused on the subject blackbird with his brilliant red shoulders. The green at the top helps explain the setting. Because the water is so smooth, without the far bank the water could pass for the actual sky.
Jun 4, 2018 11:40:58 #
fergmark wrote:
silhouettes are often what I seek out. The first is in Joshua Tree. I banged this off as the last shot of the day, taken long after sunset, at 3200 iso. Not until later did I realize there were figures silhouetted against the sky. I usually avoid having people in my shots, but their appearance in this one gave it a story it otherwise wouldn't have had.
the second one is an interesting layering of silhouetted forms, both light on dark, and dark on light.
the second one is an interesting layering of silhouetted forms, both light on dark, and dark on light.
These are fascinating in different ways. The first is simple and dramatic. Any other time of day would have lacked the impact that you captured so beautifully. The second is gentle and complex. It takes a couple of looks to work through the layers and fully appreciate the misty picture in a picture aspect. I would have a hard time picking a favorite because they are both beautiful!
Jun 4, 2018 11:57:11 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
These are fascinating in different ways. The first is simple and dramatic. Any other time of day would have lacked the impact that you captured so beautifully. The second is gentle and complex. It takes a couple of looks to work through the layers and fully appreciate the misty picture in a picture aspect. I would have a hard time picking a favorite because they are both beautiful!
Thanks Cathy. I tend towards the abstract. Its just in my blood.
Jun 4, 2018 12:05:10 #
[quote=Linda From Maine]#1 - Oh the serendipity gods were with you!
No Kidding!
Over time, I found that I can fulfill my creative needs through photography. When I engage the conversion to black and white as an artistic process, even crossing, what many might consider an acceptable line. But my aim is to generate the most interesting compositions I can, utilizing high contrast and textures. With the limited sources of natural subject matter within reach, I have been pleasantly rewarded by giving into using man made stuff as subjects. When I go out to shoot, if its not raining, thats pretty much all I care about. Black and white can be manipulated to make something of very little, provided there is a strong enough potential within the initial composition.
#1. I go out in the winter just for ice. My eyes are not too good any more, so I rely on autofocus. This, shot on a 19 degree day along the shore, with the wind howling, and my eyes tearing badly. This rocky cliff area has a number of small pools that usually make the trip worth the effort.
#2. Taken at a boat club. The dynamic shapes rich with shading and reflections mixed with other textures
No Kidding!
Over time, I found that I can fulfill my creative needs through photography. When I engage the conversion to black and white as an artistic process, even crossing, what many might consider an acceptable line. But my aim is to generate the most interesting compositions I can, utilizing high contrast and textures. With the limited sources of natural subject matter within reach, I have been pleasantly rewarded by giving into using man made stuff as subjects. When I go out to shoot, if its not raining, thats pretty much all I care about. Black and white can be manipulated to make something of very little, provided there is a strong enough potential within the initial composition.
#1. I go out in the winter just for ice. My eyes are not too good any more, so I rely on autofocus. This, shot on a 19 degree day along the shore, with the wind howling, and my eyes tearing badly. This rocky cliff area has a number of small pools that usually make the trip worth the effort.
#2. Taken at a boat club. The dynamic shapes rich with shading and reflections mixed with other textures
Jun 4, 2018 12:15:28 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
When I looked at this older photo a couple of days ago as a prospective candidate for this thread, I noticed my eye was drawn to a light brown area on the left - that needed to go, lol! Only at that time did I realize that if the top were cropped also, the reflection might seem to be the real sky. Much appreciated, Carol!... Because the water is so smooth, without the far bank the water could pass for the actual sky.
fergmark wrote:
My first reaction to #1 is that it was an abstract interpretation of a guitar body and strings. Love your creative eye!...Over time, I found that I can fulfill my creative needs through photography...
Jun 4, 2018 12:21:10 #
A Glacier Lily weighed down by mountain mist. Here is a contrast of light tones against dark, as well as warm and cool colors. I wondered about the brightness of the out of focus drops on the leaf, perhaps just a tiny adjustment so that when you squint you don't see right away?
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