Photography is only possible with
the presence of light. What makes a scene interesting is the different characteristics
that light takes on.
I have been asked on several occasions if I “waited for the perfect light”
to make a specific photograph. If nothing appealed to me at that specific time
and place, I may never have considered the scene at all. Any light can be the
perfect light. It’s how you, the photographer, interpret the image. I
try to make the most of any lighting conditions—sun, fog, overcast, morning,
midday, or night. As long as there is light, you can make an interesting image.
I never know whether I will have the opportunity to return to a place to explore
it under different lighting conditions, so I make the most of what I have.
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One of Judith Pishnery’s favorite weather conditions is
fog, she says, as it blankets the scene in a mist, creating a
softly lit, dreamlike image.
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Bright, sunny days—either
early morning or late afternoon—are ideal for many scenes, but not mandatory.
The crisp sunlight produces good contrast, excellent color saturation and sharp
details. Looking for subjects that benefit from the clear light, and including
shadows as design elements are ways to maximize a sunny day. Just be aware of
too much contrast, which sends shadows into deep obscurity and washes out highlights.
Making the Most of Light
My first trip to Paris was rainy and overcast. Did that stop me from doing photography?
No, it only changed my approach. I chose to shoot in black-and-white for most
of the week, adding a #25 red filter to add contrast to the flat light, and
I minimized the amount of sky appearing in the frame. A great city with wonderful
architecture and details everywhere, Paris was a terrific black-and-white photography
destination. I relished in the soft light that blanketed the city. It couldn’t
have been more perfect.
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A black-and-white image taken during one of Pishnery’s trips
to Paris.
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Since then, I’ve had the opportunity
to return to Paris on several occasions and have encountered varying types of
conditions—sun, fog, rain, snow, and even a hail storm with dramatic skies.
All were perfect at that time, giving me a wide range of possibilities. The
stormy days produced multiple options, from dramatic storm clouds to rainbows.
Fog is one of my favorites, as it obscures subjects and blankets the scene in
a mist, creating a softly lit, dreamlike image. By staying alert, looking around
and continuing to take pictures under many conditions, I have created unique
and different images of scenes that did not interest me otherwise.
Whether shooting black-and-white or color, the most challenging light comes
from overcast or rainy days with gray/white flat skies. Take advantage of the
soft light and look for details of buildings, street scenes and nature, minimize
the amount of sky, or eliminate it altogether. Utilize reflections on wet streets,
sidewalks and puddles as part of the photograph. Overcast light is perfect for
people pictures; it’s soft and flattering—no harsh shadows and no
squinting eyes. It’s like using an umbrella or softbox in the studio.
Gardens and landscapes (as long as you don’t include a lot of sky) can
benefit from the soft contrast. The harsh contrasty light of bright, sunny days
is eliminated and the colors appear more saturated. The landscape appears softer
and more tranquil. Midday light is also softer, allowing for more prime shooting
time.
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Overcast lighting during the daytime eliminates shadows, providing
perfect conditions for photographing people.
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When is the perfect time of day
to shoot? Usually early morning or late afternoon. Is it possible to go to every
location you want to photograph during those times? Not unless you only photograph
two places each day. I utilize the entire day and make the light work for me.
Midday light may not seem desirable; it can be harsh and uninteresting, but
if it’s handled well, it can be perfect. Choose your subjects wisely.
Look for objects in the shade, where the light is soft and pleasing. Find angles
and details that are enhanced by the overhead illumination. Be aware of the
contrast and shadows on a sunny day, and remember that the contrast you see
will be even greater in the photograph.
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About the Author
Judith Pishnery creates imaginative photographs that capture the beauty, mystery and splendor of many locations throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Official Website: Judith Pishnery
Other Articles: Photographic.com
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