Considering the Aspects of Light: part 2 - Harsh and Soft (Page 12): As someone mentioned, when traveling we have light conditions imposed on us and we have to do the best with what we...

MattPhox Loc: Rhode Island

As someone mentioned, when traveling we have light conditions imposed on us and we have to do the best with what we were dealt. We were in a small courtyard in Mykonos and I was fortunate enough to have a strong light that brought out the lines in an all white exterior. Perhaps it is my romantic side showing but I thought that the portal on the right being in the shadows added a sense of mystery.

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AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

MattPhox wrote:

As someone mentioned, when traveling we have light conditions imposed on us and we have to do the best with what we were dealt. We were in a small courtyard in Mykonos and I was fortunate enough to have a strong light that brought out the lines in an all white exterior. Perhaps it is my romantic side showing but I thought that the portal on the right being in the shadows added a sense of mystery.

Everything you have said is quite true. And it's a lovely image and a good example of the use of strong light. It's also a good example of using light to state the focal point of the image. That's something easy to do in the studio. Not so easy outdoors using available light.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

MattPhox wrote:

As someone mentioned, when traveling we have light conditions imposed on us and we have to do the best with what we were dealt. We were in a small courtyard in Mykonos and I was fortunate enough to have a strong light that brought out the lines in an all white exterior. Perhaps it is my romantic side showing but I thought that the portal on the right being in the shadows added a sense of mystery.

Has there ever been a photo taken of Greece that didn't include bright light against white architecture? Sense of place anyone?

I love the contrasts your light has made: the warmth and glare at the top, the cool welcoming of the courtyard with perhaps the perfume of flowers, the dark portal leading to...

Did you see the shape of the shadow made by the bell? So many small details to enjoy here as well as the overall initial impact. Another winner, Matt!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Pixelmaster wrote:

A bit of a crop and an extra paw just might do it.

O.M.G., now that is clever!!

AzPicLady wrote:

...I think your use of what I would call strong, direct light is quite appropriate.

Thank you, Kathy. That direction and low angle only happens in winter, as my apartment door faces south. I have another of her with light coming through sliding door; she's on the floor chewing a bone and her shadow is bigger than she is

ebrunner wrote:

...I tried to find the "oops" but could not. Don't worry, I'll go back and stare at the photo until I find it; but it does not appear to be a deal breaker by any stretch.
Erich

Thanks so much Erich. If you didn't see the small on first pass, then all is well!

MattPhox wrote:

I very much like the shot just the way it is. I love the suggestion that she appears to be at a bar placing her order. That's exactly as it seems. Fabulous shot!

Much appreciated, Matt; after nine years together, I think she's probably a keeper

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

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MattPhox Loc: Rhode Island

I thought I would add one more example of light that I found pleasing. What to a lot of people would be a boring scene, appealed to me because of the way it was illuminated. I happen to like golf courses also and, because this was taken about 20 minutes after sunrise it was not cluttered by all those people.

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

MattPhox wrote:

... it was not cluttered by all those people.

But it was visited by an early bird: a white egret to the right of the pond! Looks like some ground fog/mist in the back also? Direct light that gives dimension to the land with shadows, yet a feeling of total peace and serenity.

jimcrna Loc: indiana/florida

late to the forum here but have been able to read just difficulty sending any pics..the vegetable basket was taken yrs ago in auto mode before I had any idea of true photography.the light presented itself and I took the pic. it turned out as I wanted but I take no credit other than seeing the light..soft side light in late afternoon. the second picture was the same..auto but it turned out great in my opinion..but I did see the light and it moved me to take the photo..soft early morning light..but I saw the light..I remember several months ago someone posted a question. "the four most important words in photography" or something like that. the answer was about seeing the light..I can't remember the exact words so please fill in my blanks..this topic has provided great info and motivation..thx Linda.for starting the topic

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

jimcrna wrote:

late to the forum here but have been able to read ... (show quote)

Delighted you are enjoying the thread, Jim, and appreciate your sharing these images. I too would have been compelled to explore those fantastic shadows in #1 and the cool design lines of sunlit chairs in #2.

With UHH's main forum predominately about gear and settings, it's so enjoyable to chat with folks about the art of photography, "an eye" for composition or seeing the light. Hope you can stay with us for chapter 3, Color of Light, which will be posted on Wednesday, the 30th.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

minniev wrote:

Since 50% of my fun is in the PP world of turning photographs into something I thought of instead of exactly what I saw, I thought I'd post a couple of those kinds of images as light affects them to, and we chose how much to mitigate or enhance those qualities depending on what we're trying to do.

The first is shot in harsh mid morning light in a local pond and the second in the ultrasoft light of a late afternoon Maine fogbank.

The first shot is elegant, unusual but not jarring. Congrats!

jimcrna Loc: indiana/florida

will do Linda,look forward to it.

Linda From Maine wrote:

Delighted you are enjoying the thread, Jim, and ap... (show quote)

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

jimcrna wrote:

late to the forum here but have been able to read ... (show quote)

There ain't nothin' wrong with using auto. True photography is capturing the image - light and all.
Ed

jimcrna Loc: indiana/florida

thanks ed.

edrobinsonjr wrote:

There ain't nothin' wrong with using auto. True photography is capturing the image - light and all.
Ed

MattPhox Loc: Rhode Island

Cwilson341 wrote:

Matt, I love this still life. There is just somet... (show quote)

Thanks for your comment. I guess I may have overdone it a bit with the peel. Loved your analogy concerning the half lemon. And, yes, the duck. I didn't much like it either. I'm sure that someone with more skills in PP than I do could clone out the duck but it's too much for me. Perhaps someday I'll re-shoot the scene without the peel and lemon half and angle the shot so as to eliminate the duck.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

MattPhox wrote:

Thanks for your comment. I guess I may have overdone it a bit with the peel. Loved your analogy concerning the half lemon. And, yes, the duck. I didn't much like it either. I'm sure that someone with more skills in PP than I do could clone out the duck but it's too much for me. Perhaps someday I'll re-shoot the scene without the peel and lemon half and angle the shot so as to eliminate the duck.

I really do like your still life, Matt. I’m sure it’s just me about the cut fruit. Normally when I come up with stuff like that I just keep it to myself.🙂