“The Law of the Light”
Through the years, I’ve been asked why my photos look the way they do since I use little to no post-processing. There’s no secret as to why, if you’ve taken my online classes with the BPSOP, or have come on my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops I conduct all over our (round) planet.
My secret is simple. In relation to my subject, I know where to stand, when to stand there, and how long I have to shoot while standing there. Before I bring my camera up to my eye I look to see where the direction of the sun is. For me, that’s the most important part in creating strong photos.
Ok, imagine a clock in your viewfinder, but if it’s easier, imagine the clock on the ground with your subject standing in the center. Now, imagine the sun (or light source) coming from behind the 11,12, and 1. This is ‘backlight’. It’s probably the way I light almost all the time…why?
Because backlight makes everything glow: water, grass, hair, or anything translucent. It adds so much energy and can be effective even if your subject is a touch on the boring side.
Now, imagine the light source behind the ’10’ and the ‘2’. This is what is called “The Law of the Light”. When the sun casts light on a subject it comes at a specific angle, and that angle is called the “Angle of Incidence”; it’s the light falling on the subject.
When that same light bounces (reflects) off the subject and hits the lens, it also bounces off at an angle to the camera. When those two angles are the same, it’s called the “Law of the Light”…also known as “The Angle of Reflection”…and I don’t know why??
Side Light
Now, imagine the sun at either ‘3’ or ‘9’. This is sidelight, and if I can’t backlight or put my subject in the Angle of reflection, this is the light I go for. When the sun is at ‘4’ or ‘8’ it’s ok, still somewhat side-lit, but bordering on front light…to me, this is the worst way to light…5,6, and 7 is front light and I avoid it like the plague…why? Because there aren’t any shadows or shading; it’s all about Form.
Form is a basic ‘element of visual design’, and Form refers to the three-dimensional quality of an object. When light hits an object from the side, part of the object is in shadow. The light and dark areas provide contrast that can suggest volume. Without shadows, the subject will be recorded without Form…appearing flat. Without shading/shadows Form exists in just two dimensions, height and width.
Front Light
This is what happens when you front light. Now, I’m not saying that you can’t take pictures that are front lit…I’m saying that those times for me are rare, and the sun should be low on the horizon and the background behind the subject fairly dark. Remember that Ansel Adams once said, “There are no rules for good pictures, there are just good pictures”.
So as I said, THE VERY FIRST THING I EVER DO when I get to a location…before I ever raise my camera up to my eyes…is to determine where the light source is coming from. Then I position myself to get the right/best light.
As far as WHEN and FOR HOW LONG, almost all of my photos were taken when the sun is no higher than ten degrees off the horizon, or in The Golden Hour.
In the mornings, I will usually shoot before the sun comes up (the Blue hour) and for about an hour after sunrise, depending on the time of year and where I am.
The same goes for the afternoon. I’ll start shooting about an hour before sunset, then until the end of the Blue Hour.
Having said this, this is the ideal time to shoot, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time to shoot. It’s always time to take photos!!!
Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and check out my upcoming workshops at the top of this blog.
JoeB
