When we first start taking photos, we focus on having enough light all the time, we aren’t thinking about light AND shadows in photography.  We are tired of having blurred images of our kids running or even playing in the house due to lack of light.  But as we grow and learn how to “freeze the action”, it’s easy to still stay stuck in this mentality on needing to have tons of light.  As I do my critiques for the online class, I see the women finding more and more freedom and understanding in “what kind” of light to have in a photo, “what degree” of light to aim for, and how to use shadows to enhance the depth and richness.

Without shadows, without some element of darkness, the light is unable to be defined.  There is a flatness to the photo.  Take a look at this flower I shot with my smartphone.

Below is the same flower, but the below photo was taken with the morning sun illuminating the flower.  No fancy cameras used.  It was also shot with my smartphone to demonstrate that understanding light will bring the more transformation than any kind of technology.  Look at what a difference it makes when we use the light to our benefit.

To just have “enough” light is not enough.  To consider how you want to “use” the light…that is a different question all together.  To allow shadows to show, depth to be revealed, darkness defining where the light is–that is courage.

Try this light and shadows in photography exercise today with your smartphone.  Take a photo of a flower during noon.  Take a photo of the same flower with morning light or sunset light behind it, and see what a difference it makes!  Your creative spirit will sing!  Post your photos on my Facebook page so I can give you feedback!

I’ll be posting more examples on my Instagram feed!

xo,

m