LIGHT - AND
HOW TO USE IT
In this section:
Every one a Rembrandt
t's an old line that photographers 'paint with light'. Well,
before you can produce a Rembrandt you need to know what sort
of paint is in the pot and how to apply it. Slap on too much
and your canvas will look like a dog's breakfast; use the brush
timidly with watery paint, and the picture will be insipid.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Photographers actually 'write with light'. The word photography
comes from the Greek 'photo' (light) and 'graphien' (to write).
Choice
Your ability to use light to create form, texture and mood is
of prime importance if your photographs are to be successful.
You must learn the various qualities and drawbacks of all types
of light, and how to manipulate it to produce the effects you
want. You will not be able to control the cloud cover or weather,
but you can often choose the time of day to take certain pictures.
You may have a choice of angles between camera, subject and light
source. You can also select the most suitable subjects for the
prevailing light conditions, and use reflectors to fill-in empty
shadows.
