Getting the light right

Glass artist and painter, Ivan, enjoys a cup of coffee. I used two medium sized softboxes and a flash with a honey comb to rim light the black beret so that it separated from the black background.

You've heard it so many times before. Photography is about light. It seems obvious but I still see photography enthusiasts obsessing about cameras and equipment rather than concentrating on the one simple element they can use to improve their pictures - lighting.

Yes, studio flash costs a fair amount but as the Strobists demonstrate you can use off camera flash and get amazing effects. Light modification devices abound, anything from a piece of foam to a Tupperware container will do. I've seen fabulous portraits created with just one naked light bulb. Then there are thousands of ways to modify daylight from using reflectors to black panels that absorb light (subtractive lighting).

It's not equipment that is a limitation, it is rather a lack of imagination and creativity. So I urge, think about light not camera equipment.

To see some more examples of how I have used light click here (especially the mono portraits portfolio).

Cheers,

Paul

www.indigo2photography.co.uk

Comments

Anonymous said…

Dear Paul,

Once again, you touch on a worthy subject, the role of light in photography, providing a tip on mastering her. I visit your site frequently and always enjoy your photographic musings. Keep up the good work.

We are on the same wavelength it seems, I just having written a blogpost concerning natural light as compositional element at the Photography and Creative Process website, www.wmgphotoblog.com

I invite you to visit my website. As always, I welcome your comments on my post, however, comments are shut down on the blog to combat spam. If you are inclined to comment, drop me a line at wmgpics@att.biz.

Bill Gatesman
www.wmgphoto.com
www.wmgphotoblog.com

11:44

Unknown said…

What a great subject and stunningly photographed. The use of light is amazin!!!!

Adrian
www.weddingphotoshot.com

12:22

Nick said…

This picture has such a great mood to it on.

Original and online alternative since 2005

Nick
www.uploadourday.com

15:41

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