National Geographic was probably the first place I found truly inspiring photography as a kid: I was particularly drawn to both the color and the lighting of the images. In this great tutorial, Bob Holmes, a National Geographic shooter, walks us through his philosophy and thought process when reading the light in a scene.
Bob Holmes is a highly experienced travel photographer, and by virtue of that profession, he's not always afforded the luxury of having the sort of light he might desire. In this lesson, filmed with Marc Silber, he offers a great set of tips on how to photograph most anyone in light that is not only flattering to the subject, but interesting. He also offers some of the best advice I've heard in quite a while, as I think it's easy to forget this:
You should be aware of what your camera is capable of doing... Your eyes compensate... Cameras are literal.
Altogether, I really appreciated watching him talk through his process and how he thought about light not just to give a technically sound photograph, but as something deeply tied to the thematic arc of his work. To see more of Holmes' photography, be sure to check out his website and follow him on Instagram and also check out Silber's YouTube channel.
Great review of using natural light, but I'm having a hard time believing that second shot of the farmer in Cuba was taken at mid day. Hehe.
some heavy highlight removal over there
Exactly my thought. It's more like 3-4pm light hehe
Nice, but such old fashioned advice, I suppose if you want to shoot for National Geo, it is still old fashioned in its approach to photography reminds me of Nikon, nothing wrong with it, but break the rules.