Light

November 24th, 2006

Light is a creature of many temperaments and ultimately, an image will live of die by it. At dawn and dusk the low sun highlights prominent landscape features and casts long shadows, creating a tapestry of light and shadow.

The sunlight will enrich nature’s muted colours. Planning is not always possible beyond a weather forecast, as often it is a case of right place, and waiting for the right time – or returning at the right time. Light can change rapidly, so you may only get one or two shots.

Storm clouds or changeable weather can offer the best lighting, with breaks in the clouds throwing part of the landscape into the spotlight, and the shadows providing a supporting act of texture and pattern to a picture.
Creative use of exposure is just as important, as making the scene look as much like reality itself. Extra exposure makes a picture lighter and reduced the saturation of colours, which become more like pastel shades. Extra exposure can make landscapes look bright, airy and refreshing. Cutting exposures induces a sombre note and concentrates attention on the high lights, as shadows are dense black.

Entry Filed under: General