STRETCHING YOUR FRAME OF MINE
Chasing The Light
What has replaced them are the basic elements of visual design: Texture, Pattern, Shape, Form, Line, and my favorite… Color. Light, in one way or another, will affect all these elements and whenever possible it should be evaluated first; even before composition.
Photography comes from the Greek word “Writing with Light.” Light is the crucial element in photography and understanding how it behaves, it’s gesture, and the factors that influence it is essential. Knowing where to stand in relation to the light source, when to stand there, and how long you have to stand there is imperative when trying to create great images; it’s the effects of light that makes or breaks the shot. Chasing the light, waiting for it, then finally capturing it, is a constant preoccupation.
And for some like me, an obsession.
In my workshops we study my approach to light in what I refer to as “Four Part Harmony”: Hue, Intensity, Direction, and Quality. We study its profound effects on what I often speak of/about as “The Artist Palette.” No longer is this aged piece of wood covered with pigment, i.e., Cobalt and Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red and Yellow, Chromium Oxide Green, Mars black, Titanium white, etc.
What has replaced them are the basic elements of visual design: Texture, Pattern, Shape, Form, Line, and my favorite… Color. Light, in one way or another, will affect all these elements and whenever possible it should be evaluated first; even before composition.
When consideration the use of Light in your photography (and I’m referring to available light), shadows need to be considered as well. So many of my fellow photographers fear shadows and go out of their way to avoid them; truth be told shadows should be embraced. For example, knowing where the shadows will fall will add depth. Without them your subject can appear flat and uninspiring.
Last, we’ll work on and distinguish the following light phases (depending on the elevation of the sun): golden hour, blue hour, twilights during daytime and nighttime.
Special emphasis is spent on the golden hours during the mornings and evenings; there’s nothing like portraying our images in a warm, sexy way. Late or early morning light saturates color, which is a big part of the way I approach this important element of visual design.
How we perceive and process visual input is a part of our everyday life, and as photographers it’s our prime objective to present this visual information in a way that takes control of what the viewer sees when they look at our photography. For me, Light is the best instrument to do just that.
After working and shooting together side by side in one of my workshops, you’ll walk away with a much greater command of Light; no matter your skill level. You’ll be at a higher level of visual perception and have a redesigned portfolio to show off your new skills; not to mention that family and friend slideshow from your recent travel vacation.
Click here for more information about my upcoming workshops.
