Unlocking the Light: Transforming Good Photos Into Great Ones

Photography, at its core, is about capturing light, yet this fundamental aspect is often overlooked in the quest for the perfect subject. This fantastic video dives into this topic, emphasizing the importance of understanding and utilizing light to transform good photographs into outstanding ones. 

Coming to you from The Photographic Eye, this enlightening video explores the nuanced difference light makes in photography, illustrated through a comparison of photographs by Hugh Holland and Kilbee's own images. Holland's work with 1970s skateboarding culture in Southern California showcases how adept use of light can elevate a photograph. Kilbee's comparison of his own photos, taken with similar equipment but without the same attention to light, underscores a key lesson for photographers: recognizing and harnessing light is what separates the passionate enthusiast from the true artist. This revelation is crucial for anyone looking to advance their photographic skills beyond the basics.

The video further illustrates this point through a photo walk in Cambridge, where Kilbee and fellow photographers focus on the light available to them rather than the iconic sights. This approach, examining how light shapes and enhances subjects, offers viewers a practical guide to seeing the world through a photographer's eye. It's a call to move beyond equipment and subjects to a deeper appreciation of light's role in photography. For photographers seeking to elevate their work, understanding this concept is indispensable. Check out the video above for the full rundown.

If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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