One of the most critical elements shaping your images is the quality of light. Understanding this directly impacts how your photography feels, setting apart casual snaps from intentional artistry.
Coming to you from Samuel Elkins, this insightful video emphasizes mastering natural light over focusing solely on camera gear or technicalities. Elkins stresses that if you can truly grasp how light interacts within your scene, you'll find success with virtually any camera you pick up. It's not about expensive gear, but about your skill at noticing and manipulating light conditions, whether that means adjusting your position slightly or choosing the perfect moment of the day to shoot. He explains that different kinds of natural light—diffused, harsh, soft, golden, or cool—dramatically alter your images' emotional tone and visual appeal. Recognizing your personal preference, be it soft morning light or sharp midday shadows, shapes your unique style.
This video also touches on common mistakes made early in photographers' careers, notably relying too heavily on editing to fix poor lighting choices. Elkins makes it clear: you can't adequately salvage bad lighting after the fact. Getting it right in-camera simplifies your editing process and maintains the authenticity of your final images. He shares insights from photographing the California coast across various seasons, highlighting how understanding seasonal and daily shifts in light can profoundly affect your photography. Learning to adapt to these changes—like choosing softer winter light or exploiting harsher summer conditions creatively—is essential.
Elkins also dives into the practicalities of different lighting situations. Golden hour provides beautifully warm, directional light ideal for portraits and landscapes, while midday sun poses challenges but offers opportunities for striking shadow compositions. He encourages embracing midday lighting conditions rather than avoiding them, as mastering these can significantly enhance your versatility as a photographer. Additionally, Elkins details overcast conditions as valuable for achieving even, subtle lighting, especially beneficial in portraiture or when consistent tonality is desired.
He further explores using directional versus backlit approaches. Initially favoring backlit photography for its softness, Elkins now prefers directional lighting to create dynamic, spontaneous imagery. He emphasizes observing how light falls on subjects, advising photographers to consciously experiment with positioning to craft compelling compositions. This approach helps you build confidence, particularly when navigating less-than-ideal lighting conditions during professional assignments. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Elkins.
