essential skills: digital photography in available light
Direction
The direction of light determines where shadows fall and their source can be described by their
relative position to the subject. Shadows create texture, shape, form and perspective. Without
shadows photographs can appear fl at and visually dull. A subject lit from one side or behind will
not only separate the subject from its background but also give it dimension. A front-lit subject
may disappear into the background and lack form or texture. In nature the most interesting and
dramatic lighting occurs early and late in the day.
Early and late light
Many location photographs can look fl at and uninteresting. Photographers arriving at a location
when the sun is high fi nd a fl at, even illumination to the environment. The colors can look washed
out and there is little or no light and shade to create modelling and texture. The mood and
atmosphere of a location can be greatly enhanced by the realization that most successful location
images are taken when the sun is low, dawn or dusk, or as it breaks through cloud cover to give
uneven and directional illumination. When the sun is high or diffused by cloud cover the mood
and the subject contrast usually remain constant. When the sun is low the photographer can often
choose a variety of moods by controlling the quantity, quality and position of shadows within the
image. Colors are often rich and intense and morning mists can increase the mood dramatically.
ACTIVITY 4
Visit the same location at dawn, midday and sunset.
Compare the color and quality of lighting effect and comment on the mood communicated.
Create an image that uses long shadows as an essential component of the fi nal composition.Mark Galer