The most important Part of Photography

One thing I've realized when it comes to making great photos, whether it be landscape, portrait, fashion, wedding and even product photography; light is the difference between a ho-hum photo and a great photo. Even more important than color, is light.

In episode 3 of the podcast I talk about this and give you some tips and tricks that you can use to experiment with this and learn the importance of light. This blog post is an accompaniment to the podcast to show some of the examples I was speaking about. I'll share a few images i've taken in the past and highlight (see what I did there) how light played a part in creating that image.

This first image is one that won me recognition as on of the top 25 emerging photographers in the August/September issue of PhotoLife magazine. Now, looking back at this image, I can see a few things that I would have tried to address. I probably would not have left this photo where I did and looking back some parts of it bug me. I was trying to use speed lights (small camera flashes) to overpower the sun which was behind the model. It worked well. I was shooting with pocket wizard triggers but I feel now that I was a little too hot. The idea was to illuminate the from of the model (and the car) so that I would be able to keep the background properly exposed. Exposing the background meant under exposing the model as I was shooting into the sun. So, pop some light to take the shadow away and bingo. And interesting image, with manipulated exposure on different parts of the image. I actually had two flashes on the model (they were Canon 580EXii speed lights) and three fo those suckers to light up the front of the car. I'm actually surprised I was able to pull off what I did as shooting in direct sunlight usually does not yield great results.

ISO: 100, Shutter Speed: 1/5000, Apurature: f2.9, Focal Length: 51mm

This second image is what I consider to be a much better use of lighting. I used the same lights (not as many) but used them very subtly. Ultimately I believe that the best studio lighting is almost unnoticeable. Really, we're not trying to make an image that looks like it was lit. We're trying to make an image that has great exposure on different parts of the image, while not having it stand out or be noticeable. Especially to those who are not into photography, but rather would be the consumers that the images were marketed towards.

Key thing to notice in this image: We use the sliding glass door behind me as our main light, and I added a little light behind the model and to her left to get a little light hit on her left shoulder and hand. Very subtle, almost unnoticeable, but it makes a difference.

Here is another sample. This was a single speed light sitting on the ground in front of the model, and I used it sparingly simple to bring up the exposure on here face. The happy result and while the flash was not really bright, you can tell it was there. I had some images that the flash did not fire on and I will tell you this, those ones look significantly less exciting and really just look like an under-exposed image on a rainy day.

The shadow from the umbrella handle and the light in the bottom of her boots are a giveaway that this image was lit.

If you can think deeply for a while on the fact that photography is light, I think you will start to understand what is need to make a great image. And even when we're not relating it to studio lighting. Morning fog rising from a pond in a meadow. If you can catch that with the sun behind it, you're almost sure to get some very interesting images that bring the viewer into them. Even harsh shadows in a stairwell downtown. You might be able to picture such an image in your mind. It's most likely that light is a significant part of what makes that image so interesting. Start to think about that as you look at photos. Pick up a magazine that has incredible imagery in it and ask yourself, "what are they doing with light in this photo?" I think if you start entertaining this idea in your brain, you'll be amazed how your own photography will improve.

This week’s recomendation is a YouTube channel called Foresty Forest. I’ve really enjoyed his content and think you might too!

Cheers, Jeremy