Using the Light in Your Photography

After seeing some of my photography, people sometimes ask about the camera equipment I am using.  I only state this, because there seems to be a misconception, of sorts, that if there is a nice photograph, then the photographer must have had expensive equipment to which most people don't have access.

I want to disagree, to a point, with that assessment.  I understand that expensive equipment can certainly help with creating a stunning image, but usually those stunners come from a photographer with many years of experience in their rear-view mirror and the ability to get the most out of their equipment, no matter what it is.

The single most important element of a great photograph is not the content, but the light.  Excellent use of light (even with average photographic equipment) can turn an ordinary, everyday item into an extraordinary image.

I'm not saying my photos are extraordinary, but since I know the photographer and have easy access to them (ha!), I will use a few as examples.

The following was an ordinary stretch of mature grass along a country road.  Nothing special, it was just grass, after all.  What made it stand out at the time, however, was the sunset light hitting the heads of grass from behind.  The effect turned everyday grass that most people would mow into a beautiful moment.  As a result, I got down on my knees and shot this image.  Choosing the angle that shows off the light helps make an image pop, as well.

More everyday items that I found outside an antique shop in Texas were these doorknobs on a wood plank.

Doorknobs as art?  You bet... if the light is good.  This was another near sunset time of day.  Photographers call the time of day near sunrise and again near sunset the "golden hour," for its warm tones and soft light.  I like it for the nice shadows it creates, as well.

A third example is a couple of Poppy flowers.

Flowers can be found nearly everywhere, including a relative's backyard, like these.  What makes them stand out is the contrast of light and shadow.  If I remember correctly, this was in late morning and the background of the garden was in deep shade from a nearby tree.  Seeing the sunlight hit these flowers and the shadow of the background made me want to take this photo.


All three of these photos required no special equipment.  There was no flash used, no reflectors, no special filters on the lens - just me walking around with my camera looking for an opportunity.

In other words, look for the light and bring you camera!!!   You just might surprise yourself.

Have a good one.

Lincoln Rogers
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