Notice the Light.


Photography 101


Even before you pick up a camera, you should take notice of the light. A good photography always notices 3 major things about light:

1. Quantity. Is there enough light? This is important. You can't take photos when there is no light. And when there is very little light, it makes things extremely difficult to get a good photo. Sometimes, the quantity of light is important enough to decide whether or not you should put your camera away. The absolute first thing to consider is whether you have enough light.

Quality: The quality of light usually refers to the color the light is giving off. The sun gives off a different color of light as it rises and sets. High noon light has a different quality than the light at sunset. An incandescent light bulb has a different quality of light than a fluorescent bulb. Noticing these things can really help you understand how to adjust your camera for the kind of light you see, and how to make your subject look more pleasing under that light.

Direction: What direction is the light coming from? The angle and direction of the light will affect the kind of contrast and mood and dimension that a subject has. Light from above a subject will throw shadows down. Light from the side will throw shadows to the other side. Light from behind will usually cause a subject to appear as a silhouette.

This is a lot to think about, but if you want to improve your skill as a photographer, then it's time to start thinking about the light.

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