How often do you hear photographers say that there is nothing to shoot because the light is really bad? When you hear yourself using this as an excuse, change your perspective. Instead of putting away your camera, get creative!
Some Late Morning Shots
I took the following shot late in the morning during our stay on the Big Island of Hawaii. The brilliant sunbeams appeared as mist from ocean spray blew through the trees. To capture sunbeams like these, you need bright sunlight along with some mist or dust in the air. The particles in the air scatter the light and create sunbeams.
I took this second shot below to show you the conditions I was working with that morning. As you can see, the light was pretty harsh because the sun was up and there were no clouds. Most photographers would classify this as “bad light” – but I see this as a great time to stretch your creativity.
Some Midday Shots
Ok – so maybe this shot required certain conditions – the angle of the sun, the sea spray, the high trees near the beach. But this isn’t the only shot I took in bright sun while we were on the islands. I took each of the shots below when lighting conditions were less than optimal.
-
Reflected Light in Hilo, Hawaii
-
House on Fire, Utah (UT), USA
-
Moriki Island, Fiji
Each of the shots above were taken during the middle of the day when the sun was located high in the sky. Image #1 was created when the harsh sunlight on the trees created some interesting patterns and colors. Image #2 was captured in Mule Canyon in Utah. The harsh reflected light was bouncing off the surrounding area and made the canyon walls glow. The third image required harsh sunlight to bring out the deep rich blue colors and textures in the tropical waters in Fiji.
So, the next time you find yourself thinking about bad light, think of how you can use your creativity to come away with some stunning photos instead. Feel free to share your own images in the comments below.
About Author Jay Patel
I could startoff like this – “Seeds of Jay Patel’s appreciation for beautiful places were planted early in his childhood….” but it would get boring really fast. I will just sum it up and say that I am a Landscape and Wilderness Photographer who loves to capture dramatic light. My photographs have been published in various magazines, calendars and advertising materials throughout the world.
Patience is a virtue...unless you are chasing your dreams
Visual Wilderness http://ift.tt/2ikIF3T
Sourced by Time Trap Photography sharing the best photography tips, news and tricks throughout the industry. Time Trap Photography is dedicated to freezing those special moments in life that can be revisited and admired for generations to come. - Shannon Bourque
Please visit our main site for booking availability and rates.
Receive valuable industry knowledge delivered free to your email each day.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you so much for your comment. A moderator will review and approve all relevant posts. We appreciate your support and encourage you to stay with us by subscribing to our email updates. Where you can easily pick and choose what photography subjects interests you. Subscription link: http://bit.ly/photo-sub