I'm Back . . .

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Thumbnail image for DSCN8164.JPGI had no idea when I posted my last blog that circumstances would call me away from the Nikonian community for over a year.  It has been so long, it is hard to pick up the train of thought that I was trying to establish.  However, I am back; I hope that my return will be of benefit to someone who is just getting started in photography but who wants to take pictures with the "wow" factor.  

I had talked about a couple of simple rules that anyone can follow to elevate the quality of their photography.  While the rules can be stated simply, following them can be more difficult.  For example, everyone understands that a photographer must use light in some wavelength to create a picture.  A photograph, whether printed or in digital form, exists as an interplay between light and shadow.  However, a photographer must learn: 1]  how to observe the light that illuminates the subject that he wants to photograph, 2] how to adapt to the differences between how his eyes observe the light and his camera records that light, and 3] how to manipulate the light in a scene to create the emphasis and emotion that he desires to achieve in his picture.

Take a look at this picture that I shot of an old bridge.  Notice how the contrast between the bright area of sky and the darkness of the woods gives the picture, not only great tonal range, but also introduces a sense of drama. the splashes of light on portions of the bridge and in the foreground pull the eye to certain portions of the picture.  Looking at this photograph, what emotions do you feel?  Do you feel a sense of mystery, decay, or intrigue?  Would you like to explore the surroundings?  Remember, this is a flat image.  Your interest in this image is created by the pattern, color, and intensity of light that falls on the scene that I wish to record with my camera.

I have been told that Thomas Kincaid's mentor told him to "paint the light".  The photographer must also be aware of and be ready to manipulate the light to create a powerful photographic image.

More later!  LL49Wat



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This page contains a single entry by ll49wat published on February 6, 2011 2:29 AM.

Elements of the "Eye-Catching Picture" was the previous entry in this blog.

Color Me....Happy? is the next entry in this blog.

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