Seeing the Light
A challenge that many beginning photographers have is literally seeing the light. They see the subject fine, and they learn a bit about composition, so that starts to look okay, but they miss the light. The problem is that we see the world differently than the camera does. Our eyes compensate for all sorts of light and our brains so strongly see a subject that we don’t see what the camera is seeing.
To make a better photograph, we have to see the light as the camera sees it. Digital cameras really help because of that instant feedback from the LCD. But you have to really look at that LCD, not simply see if the subject is in the frame or not. You need to see what the light and shadow effects are on the subject. Is the light complementing the subject? Is the shadow helping make a better photograph? Are either the light or shadows hurting the appearance of the subject? Is the light dramatic and making the subject bold or is it harsh and making the subject look bad?
A really good exercise to help one see the light is to go out shooting with one goal — photographing light. Shoot at least 20-30 pictures where the subject is the light (and shadow). This is a challenging exercise that usually energizes photographers and makes them see the world a little differently. Look for interesting light, light effects, colors of light, shadows, light and shadow combinations and so forth. A subject can be important for the shoot, but the actual images should be of the light. Focus in on that light in your compositions and exposure.
