Understanding light isn't just about technical skill; it's about transforming ordinary scenes into standout images. Knowing how to read and use various types of natural light can help you create more interesting and satisfying photos, regardless of weather or conditions.
Coming to you from Ian Worth, this thoughtful video explores how changing your perspective on lighting can dramatically enhance your photography. Worth shares his personal journey of moving from chasing perfect weather conditions to embracing whatever the day presents. He emphasizes that waiting for ideal conditions often leads to missed opportunities, and encourages a mindset shift towards adaptability. For instance, Worth illustrates this point with a black-and-white photo of a spring fern, a subject he'd previously overlooked but now appreciates precisely because of the subtle lighting.
Worth then addresses a common challenge you might encounter: photographing woodlands in harsh, uneven lighting. Harsh light often creates intense contrasts that can ruin shots unless handled creatively. Instead of dismissing harsh light as unusable, Worth recommends narrowing your field of view, sometimes even using a macro lens to capture intimate details. He also suggests looking for reflected light—when sunlight hits nearby surfaces and bounces gently back into your scene, softening the harshness and providing a richer quality to the photo. He demonstrates this with an image of a shell illuminated by warm reflections from nearby red cliffs, transforming an otherwise difficult lighting scenario into a captivating image.
The video further tackles the challenge of flat, overcast lighting, often considered dull and uninspiring. Worth argues against dismissing these conditions, suggesting instead that they offer unique opportunities if you match your subject choice accordingly. He describes how water, whether oceans, rivers, or lakes, can become striking under flat light due to its reflective properties. Additionally, Worth highlights techniques like intentional camera movement to create abstract, painterly photos in seemingly bland conditions. He encourages exploring directional lighting, even on overcast days, emphasizing how slight breaks in the canopy can introduce unexpected, compelling scenes. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Worth.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
