All About Light

What a wonderful time I had in Redding, CA, a couple of weeks ago when I attended the Northern California Photographer’s Portfolio Building Workshop and Trash the Dress Session, put on by Mark Behrens. There were 10-15 models, a family (with two little children), a hot car, experienced photographers to help us with posing, lighting and general photography stuff. There were about 30 photographers from Northern California (I think I drove the furthest), who were eager to begin shooting. All levels of photography were represented and all types of cameras…from small, compact point and shoot to large, expensive, lots-of-gadgets and expensive glass dslr’s and slr’s. I fell somewhere in the middle.

Our first lesson involved the different types of light and how they effect our subject. In this first session, the model was placed in direct sunlight with an interesting shadow pattern against a patterned wall. Although the light pattern was interesting, it was not kind to our female model. (Below) I changed the photo to black and white in order to focus attention on the contrast rather than the model. Not the most flattering light, but I like the photo for the hard shadow lines.

In this second photo, a reflector was brought in to show us that we could soften hard light by lightening shadows on her face using a reflector. In this case, although she has an interesting look on her face, the shadows are much softer on her and much more flattering. (Below)

In this last photo, we placed the model under a large tree with no dappled sunlight. The light is very flattering and she looks quite a bit younger and softer. I think all these types of light have a place in photography, but light definitely changes the mood and feel of a photo. The workshop was wonderful and I’m looking forward to the one that will be held in Sacramento in September.