Designing with Light

I firmly believe that design (composition) is an important element of a photograph. However, it is the use of light that helps to define this element.  Light can create strong shadows, which define the shape and form of the subject and therefore the composition.

My preference is natural light photography - therefore since I do not own this light nor can I control it, the time and where I choose to shoot are my only controls. Most of the examples of light and subjects I am presenting are all using natural light at different times and directions.  I have chosen black and white images because it better demonstrates light and its properties with relation to the subjects.

While light is one of the elements of the eight elements of design, it is really light and how it is applied, regardless of the other elements in the photograph that can make or break what the photographer wants you to see and react to.

 A way of viewing a photograph is how the photographer used light in capturing the subject.  Is the light falling from the back, side, and front or above?  How does this light help in defining the subject and what the photographer wants you to see or not see?  How does the light bend, envelope or twist around the subject?  Therefore, it is what you want to say or show that determines how you use the light that you find available.

Still Life Adventures

While one of my joys of photography is simply capturing the events and people I find in the world around me. I do have a fondness for still life photography because of the challenge of creating an image from scratch.  In a way it is like street photography, it is a way of exploring the things you find around you and finding a pleasing way of presenting them in a visual pleasing way.

On those rainy days or just simply when you want to explore another area of the photographic process – try creating still life images.  Where do I get the idea for a still life?  A painting I may have seen in a gallery or magazine image sometimes triggers it.  It is also simply a case of looking at some of the objects I find in my home and being curious about combining them with other objects sometimes unrelated.  It is an exercise in creative exploration using simple window light and composition.  A tripod, some white or black material for a backdrop, homemade reflector and a definite sense of curiosity is all that is needed to begin this adventure in still life photography.