Lights & Photography
By The Parodist | November 18, 2007
For photographers, we all know the importance of light in this craft. One of the things you really have got to learn to work with, in order to get a good photo, is lighting. That’s why some use reflectors, that umbrella thingie and work around available light. So if we then talk about night photography, well, I guess that’s where my weaknesses shine the brightest. I still find it a bit of a challenge to go and shoot at night. I know there’s always the option to use the flash (built-in or separate) but there are compositions that you simply can’t capture if you add more light into it. Do I make sense?
I reckon it’s best if I show you examples of what I mean. I attended the Nokia Red & Black Launch Party — for the Nokia 5310 Xpress Music phone — last Friday night, which was held at A. Venue Hall in Makati. Since it was a launch of a music phone, they thought it best to create a club atmosphere to showcase what else but the music. I’m not a fan of house, trance, tribal, electronica but I can appreciate it on some occasions but what I liked that night in particular was the lights. I was entranced (pardon the pun). I was content in just watching that bit of the entire thing. Er, well — that and I had wanted to capture it on film, so to speak.
This brings me to my illustration:
See what I mean? They’re great photos, yeah? But check it, I wasn’t the one behind the camera. Twas Rico Mossesgeld. Sigh.
Don’t get me wrong. I just feel a bit frustrated that I couldn’t ’see’ it. I found it hard to compose a shot.
Let me show you an samples of my experiment:
Did you see the difference? My photos look bland. You can’t help but think that the lights are either too dim or too bright. Not enough subject and there’s no actual ’story’. Argh. Okay. I know I’m being too hard on myself (and even chose to blog about it, eh?). Well, just like the post on sports photography, I’m looking for some tips on how to improve my skills. Ideas, anyone?
I’ve seen the Switchfoot concert photos that Markku took using a point and shoot. Imagine?! A point-and-shoot camera and yet he was able to come up with an awesome set! Double argh. That’s one guy’s help I’ll need. His and Luis‘!
Oh, yea. You can click on the photos for a larger view.
Humour Me:
Topics: Gallyvanting Episodes, Photography, The Reluctant Geek |
November 18th, 2007 at 11:22 am
The difference between your shots and Rico’s is the angle at which you “see” the light. In his shots, the light was going across the image - that’s why they’re defined. In the shots you shared, the light was pointing away from or to th camera.
Another example of really well-defined rays of light is the one shot by my girl at the River Maya Bagong Liwanag Finals.
As for light pointing at you, using gobos (go-betweens) to partially block the light will help your image. You can find an example of this at my new flickr account.
Lastly, thanks for this post - I think I might have something new to write about on my new site.
November 18th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Uy thanks for the link.
Before you think of light, look for a scene and interesting subjects. And use whatever light you have (flash and/or ambient) to shape the scene into a picture you have envisioned. Try to think of your desired output before actually taking the shot.
November 20th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Whatever the case, it was still your camera that made the great pictures of the event possible!