Composing with Light Part 1 talks about photography as the art of capturing light. We can't take photographs without capturing light. For if there was no light there would be no graph of the photo. It is an interesting way to think of photos. Many times we get so caught up on the subject and how that is going to work out that we completely forget the light and the best times to work with it.
This article tells of the difference in weather times; bad weather to the average person may be optimum weather for the photographer. One of my professors would always explain that an overcast day with the sun behind is the best time to take any portrait outdoors. It is a giant soft box!
The remainder of the article discusses contrast and the sun and moon placement in the sky and how they differ from day to day. The contrast of light and dark can add extra elements to our photos that can possibly be achieved in Photoshop but are much more attractive when found in nature and captured right off the bat. Lastly there were diagrams and charts on sun and moon placement. The sun and moon placement are important to keep in mind especially if you are planning a shoot and have it drawn out a certain way.
The second article discusses the various instruments used in tracking the sun and finding out when and where the sun will rise and set in a given day. There are various different tools: GPS, compass, Farmer's Almanac, the internet, etc. It also discussed the magnetic declination tables, of which I have never heard. Apparently there is a difference between a map's true North and a compasses' North. This can be overcome by finding the appropriate azimuth on the chart. By subtracting the magnetic declination number one is able to find the appropriate azimuth on their chart. I suppose this is probably something i'll need to practice before I actually understand all of the aspects of it.
The third article is very interesting about the various characteristics of different lighting situations. For example in the reflected lighting situations the reflected light takes on the color of that which it is reflecting off. The author has some very cool examples of this type of lighting situation. I am excited to go out and use it for some shots.
The next type of lighting discussed is air light. This is the light that comes from a clear blue sky with the sun hidden. It occurs most at sunset and sunrise. In mountainous areas though we can find great air lighting on various hikes depending on where the sun is in the sky. Yet another lighting situation that would be fun to work with.
The author then discusses lighting a scene with a spotlight during the evening hours and having a contrasting color field. Following this he describes the various lights and effects from dawn to dusk, all of which depend on where your location is and what you're capturing.
This article also discusses star trails, backlighting, open shade, and reflections. All of which have some interesting tips and insight into these types of light.
The fourth part of the Light articles talks of different weather conditions that can add significant elements to your photograph. This includes sunrise and sunsets again, light shafts, rainbows, snow, and silhouettes.
Each of these elements are unique and have their own quirks. Snow is super reflective but many times our cameras turn the snow very gray. Storms can add some atmospheric layering into photographs. The author does a great job of explaining how each situation can be beneficial for photographers.
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