Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

There are a lot of subtle and effective uses of light here - beautiful! btw, looks like maybe posted in RGB color? Note how different the brightness and saturation look in download. Be sure to use sRGB for web.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I want to thank you Linda and all of the collaborators (I wish all the names were published in order for all to be credited) for this series. I am just now getting caught up on it. I followed the first discussion back in May but then got extremely busy and just now am finding time to finish going thru all the postings. I'm amazed at the quality of the images that have been posted and how relevant they are to the discussions at hand.

I don't recall if much has been discussed about natural vs artificial light. Is that a worthwhile discussion that would add to the topic of considering the aspects of light?

I'm not sure how relevant my own images are to this particular discussion but thought maybe I'd post some and point out how I achieved these two different results. On a cold day in March, I didn't care to journey outside to take any photos so I was working on some still life on the kitchen table using natural light. The first photo was taken with the overcast light outside as a background. I was rather surprised at the result, as the ribbon around the vase is actually white and looked nothing like this to my naked eye. I decided it had to do with the strong background lighting, so I closed the black colored blind on that sliding door and took the second shot, again with natural light coming from other windows in the room. Two completely different results.

Walt


Edit: I see I must have sent an improper file as it didn't attach the files for visibility.

Attached file:
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Attached file:
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fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

I am only able to look at these on my phone, but the first , with background light, leaves me speechless. Delicacy so bold. Sure glad you showed these.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

So glad you have been able to catch up with the threads, Walt, and to share these photos. What fantastic comparisons of sources of light and colors of light + the change from soft to harsh (at least in the mood via the black background - which also addresses "how to make subject stand out.")

Artificial light has been touched on a little here and there, but certainly could be explored more fully by anyone wishing to do so. Some of Ed Shapiro's portraits in chapter 1 have studio lighting; whwhiden showed a series of fill flash vs. natural light results for chapter 2, and there are a few other photos throughout.

I love fergmark's comment about your photo #1 - "delicacy so bold." Achingly beautiful!

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

I took this at around 6:30 PM in April from the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

The sun was low in the west when everything just lit up.

I particularly like the shadows in the canyon and the silhouetted trees in the foreground. I will admit to a little PP to make the reds intense...

The white rock ledge made a nice contrast. Should I have cropped off the skyline in the distance?

Surely hundreds of people have captured this scene over the years but I would like to think this was just a little different.

Thanks for looking.
Ed

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robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

It either needs more sky, or less.
This shot has enough sky to intrude but not enough to really be a contrast to the depths of the canyon and balance the foreground.
Less sky easy, crop. More sky not so easy, expand the canvas and clone in more sky. I have seen it done very well but the only time I tried it the result was....ummm....not an optimum outcome (FUBAR for those veterans out there).

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You took full advantage of the low angle of light - a very pleasing image! I love your sentiment about thinking yours was a once-only view, and certainly it could have been.

Since the sliver of sky is so small and featureless, I personally would crop it out. As is, it makes me think it's a shoddy trim of a print

Another crop you might consider is some from the right side. That area is looking a bit heavy and overpowering the rest. I'm not suggesting a large amount, but perhaps try experimenting.

Appreciate that you're still with us, Ed, and thank you for sharing the beauty of the Grand Canyon!

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Linda and Robert, thank you for your responses I removed the sky and cropped off some of the right side per your suggestions and feel that the changes were worthwhile.

Thanks for your help.
Ed

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Glad you like the tweaks!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Hey! a compliant appreciative student, OK: New assignment.

Go back and get the same scene in morning light, then go to the opposite side of the canyon and do a two shot morning and afternoon set.
And my students used to think the homework I gave them was a lot of work!!!!!!
My inner homework demon came by to visit, says he misses me since I retired.

Glad you liked the ideas.

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Well, here's a sunrise the next morning. The north side shots will have to wait a while but Ill keep the assignment on my list...

Ed

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robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Thanks, Robert...

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Let's wrap up chapter 4 and move on to RobertJerl's new subject, Second Hand Light/Reflections:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-535365-1.html

I hope everyone will continue to support these terrific opportunities to learn, teach and enjoy the Aspects of Light! The first four parts were produced jointly by myself, R.G., ebrunner, MinnieV and Uuglypher. Additional advice and input were provided by Ed Shapiro, repleo, AzPicLady and whwiden. Thank you!

But most important of all, we appreciate the dozens of folks who posted inspiring photos and shared their knowledge and experience through the first four topics. Thank you so much for your participation!

FYC is a unique community "where we can ask most anything, answer most anything, give and receive feedback, share opinions and tips - and hopefully grow with each other."

R.G. Loc: Scotland

This isn't a blindingly obvious example of light playing a role in composition, but if you can imagine this image without the bright orange cloud in the centre to draw the eye it would be a very mundane shot. The cloud lifts it to another level by drawing the viewer in and giving the eye a pleasant destination, which in turn gives the viewer the opportunity to pause and "take it all in".
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