Posting Date: Saturday, December 14, 2013
Online Background Information:
Additional Tips and Suggestions:
Light makes photography.
Embrace light. Admire it. Love it.
But above all, know light.
Know it for all you are worth,
and you will know the key to photography.
~ George Eastman ~
Embrace light. Admire it. Love it.
But above all, know light.
Know it for all you are worth,
and you will know the key to photography.
~ George Eastman ~
We’re beginning to venture into the Christmas season, and it is traditionally a season of light. So what better time for this challenge topic? Immerse yourself in thinking about light and how you can showcase it in your photography.
In this exercise, light takes center stage and commands your attention. It can be dramatic or softly caressing. It can be natural light or it can be man-made: backlight, sidelight, spotlight, candlelight, light beams streaming from clouds, twinkling lights, lamp light, street light, reflected light. There are so many possibilities, and you have the freedom to decide. But light should play a key role to support your subject or actually be your subject.
Put on your thinking caps and look for inspiration. Seasonal displays with Christmas lights can spark creativity. Sunrises and sunsets always provide wonderful opportunities for photo shoots. Dramatic light in the sky can often appear right before or after a storm. Have you been noticing how light streams through your windows in the early morning or late afternoon? Subject matter could be as simple as a still life scene with a favorite lamp.
Think about the quality of your light. If the light source is intense, there will be distinct shadows that provide contrast. Be careful and don’t let the light source fool your camera meter. Use exposure compensation to get the image you want. Think about the direction of light in relationship to the camera and the subject. Change the locations of the light source, subject, and/or camera, and the image can be drastically altered. Think about the color of light. Is it warm, cool, or balanced? Control the light temperature in your final image by using your camera’s white balance settings to match the lighting conditions. Make further adjustments, as needed, in post-processing.
In this exercise, light takes center stage and commands your attention. It can be dramatic or softly caressing. It can be natural light or it can be man-made: backlight, sidelight, spotlight, candlelight, light beams streaming from clouds, twinkling lights, lamp light, street light, reflected light. There are so many possibilities, and you have the freedom to decide. But light should play a key role to support your subject or actually be your subject.
Put on your thinking caps and look for inspiration. Seasonal displays with Christmas lights can spark creativity. Sunrises and sunsets always provide wonderful opportunities for photo shoots. Dramatic light in the sky can often appear right before or after a storm. Have you been noticing how light streams through your windows in the early morning or late afternoon? Subject matter could be as simple as a still life scene with a favorite lamp.
Think about the quality of your light. If the light source is intense, there will be distinct shadows that provide contrast. Be careful and don’t let the light source fool your camera meter. Use exposure compensation to get the image you want. Think about the direction of light in relationship to the camera and the subject. Change the locations of the light source, subject, and/or camera, and the image can be drastically altered. Think about the color of light. Is it warm, cool, or balanced? Control the light temperature in your final image by using your camera’s white balance settings to match the lighting conditions. Make further adjustments, as needed, in post-processing.
Prepare one to three of your own photographic images that prominently feature light. You may use photos from your personal inventory or take new ones for this challenge. It’s your choice. Please include any information or tips that may be of assistance to other participants (e.g., how you took the images, post-processing details, camera settings, what you learned).
The linkup tool will be available the day before the challenge date (December 13) and a couple days thereafter. Don’t forget to set up a calendar reminder for yourself!
The linkup tool will be available the day before the challenge date (December 13) and a couple days thereafter. Don’t forget to set up a calendar reminder for yourself!
I'm one of those who notices "light" first whether in photos, film or other art, but I don't really know much about it. Can't wait to get started and learning from another challenge. Thanks Donna for all the links, the inspiration and help you offer. This is my favorite photograph group, thanks again for hosting it!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy taking photos in different light especially outdoors, Donna. I think I'm going to enjoy this one in December. Thanks for all the links to tips.
ReplyDeleteYes, another challenge. I want to capture something wonderful during the blue hour; I have one photo but will think about it some more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this blog. I'm going to a lighting ceremony at a sculpture garden that will feature trees and lights from all over the world so your links will come in very handy.
ReplyDeleteHoping that I am able to think about light. I know that I am thinking tripod.
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna for hosting, the topics are always inspiring.
ReplyDeleteJudith
I guess I can't say this is my favorite challenge so far....I'm pretty sure you know I can't choose a favorite! But it was fun and it made me look at the sunlight coming through my window every day....changing each time! Thanks for the challenge! Sweet hugs!
ReplyDeleteHello Donna. I'm linking up for the first time. The recommended readings were very helpful as I'm a photography beginner. There's so much to learn and so far it lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna for playing hostess! Always a pleasure...
ReplyDeletehughugs
Thanks Donna for another fun challenge. I had wanted to try something indoors, with Christmas tree lights or something, but don't even have my tree up yet. As always I'm way behind on Christmas prep, so had to use photos from my archives...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots Donna, thanks for hosting.
ReplyDelete