Light. That's really what photography is all about.
First, we need to learn how to see the light:
• the contrast range in the scene;
• the direction of light;
• the quality of light;
• the color of light.
Check out the light in the above image compared to the image I posted a few days of the same scene. What's the difference? Better light!
Light is one of the main things I talk about on my workshops. Speaking of which, I am still in Costa Rica teaching a workshop with my friend Rob Knight. Good fun!
Because the sunset sky had a pastel quality to it, I applied the Pastel Filter in Nik Software's Color Efex Pro to my photography. For a discount on Nik's plug-ins, and all the plug-ins I use, click here.
I look for light. You should look for light.
Most often, natural light is the best light. Both of the pictures above were taken using only natural light. I got a good exposure by checking the histogram on my camear's LCD monitor. Always check your histogram. It's you light meter.
Don't ya just love this tiny flower, about the size of a pinky fingernail, that looks like a ballerina!
Light illuminate, shadows define. Shadow can be your friend. Shadows are the soul of the picture. Shadows add a sense of depth and dimension to a picture.
Sure, we need how to see the light, but we also need to learn how to see the shadows.
Explore the light,
Rick