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.