Subject Matter

Once you see it, everything changes.

I have read about this subject from many photographers. They often said, “expose for the highlights”, seeing the Light. While it made sense in terms of understanding English, it was quiet baffling in practical terms.

These images from my Archive represent a game changing moment for my photography.

I saw it.

I saw The Light.

My instincts kicked in, I created these images by intentionally underexposing to preserve detail in the brightest part of the scene.

I didn’t worry about The Shadows.

This was a big breakthrough because shooting into The Light means The Light becomes……..MY SUBJECT.

This carries huge implications and possibilities because the interplay between Highlights and Shadows creates TENSION & DRAMA.

Even as I write this, I am now aware of the power of painting with Light.

During my editing of these RAW Files, I can see the direction of The Light, I can see the areas in my images where I must not betray the source direction. This means Dodging & Burning with integrity and great care.

I have spent a lot of time during this lockdown studying Lightroom and practicing with images from my Archive.

It has inspired me to shoot exclusively in Raw and Manual Mode now. Having full control over how I want my images to look and the message I want to communicate, has given me a fresh impetus for my image creation.

“Light is The Subject. Anythinh caught in its path will be illuminated and brought to life”.

Michael Vincent

“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography”.

George Eastman