26 June 2008
TWIP Quick Tip #10 - It’s the Light!
Posted by
Scott under:
Tips
Photo by Scott Bourne
Someone asked me the other day what it was that typically attracted my eye to a photographic subject. I think they were assuming that the subject is the most important thing. My answer surprised them. It’s almost always just the light. Light is everything. The best subject in the worst light makes for a terrible photo. But even a common or lackluster subject in pretty light makes at the very least, an interesting photo.
Looking for light instead of subjects is a quick first step to improving your photography. The next time you go out shooting, don’t look for something to photograph. Look for some light to photograph in.
6 Comments so far...
Tony Says:
26 June 2008 at 10:47 pm.
Great shot Scott and great advice. I wish I was better at following it.
Josh Says:
27 June 2008 at 12:11 am.
This is great advice. It just means I need to get up and going earlier to catch the good light.
KentGoldings Says:
27 June 2008 at 6:03 am.
Light is the photographers medium. There’s nothing more important.
William Says:
27 June 2008 at 10:32 am.
For us “newbees”, it certainly sounds easier said than done. I know about the early morning or near sunset light. I learned about the light coming through the windows for indoor shots. It’s the hardest to get good light during the rest of the time when I am outside. Any good web sites that talk about learning the light ?
Lisa Bettany Says:
28 June 2008 at 4:29 pm.
heading out tonight with the 70-200m f/2.8 to snap some creatures. hoping for a nice sunset and birds other than seagulls.
Chris Says:
6 July 2008 at 9:53 am.
Wow - I’ve never thought about it in in quite that way before, at least not consciously anyway. Thanks Scott.
