August's photo challenge is an experiment in the changes of light during different times of the day. Most of us know the best times for photographing a subject where warmth, texture, and depth are revealed, is early in the morning, or late afternoon/early evening. We know it, but have you seen it in your own pictures. Well, now you have an opportunity to experience what photographs taken at different times of day will do to make, or break your photos. I recently attended a workshop on photographing HS seniors. We had the opportunity to watch, and experience different photographers. Of particular interest to me, were the photographers from Arizona, California, and Nevada. They all said, because they were in states with intense sun, they had to learn how to work in all kinds of light...even the harsh light in the middle of the day. Would you know how to take a great picture no matter the lighting situation. Then if you do have a choice, when would you photograph? Do you like the morning light, or the late afternoon, or early night? Would you be able to express why you prefer a certain light? After you do this challenge you will know, and know why you like it.
The Challenge:
Choose a subject to photograph at 3 to 4 different times each day. Keep the framing, and point of view the same. In other words, use the same subject, same location...photograph at different times of the day.
Try to shoot one in the morning, afternoon, and evening. You will be amazed at how your photo changes.
Note the following:
1. Does the light make the subject look better, or worse?
2. How does light from different times of day change the mood of the image?
3. Do you notice more detail, or texture at a particular time of day?
4. How does the color of the light compare at different times...does one seem warmer (more golden), cooler (blue), or white? What kind of light do you like the most?
Extra Challenge:
This challenge was recommended by Bryan Peterson in his book, Understanding Exposure.
"You can do one of the best exercises I know near your home, whether you live in the country or the city, in a house or an apartment. Select any subject-for example, the houses and trees that line your street, or the nearby city skyline. If you live in the country, in the mountains, or at the beach, choose a large and expansive composition. Over the course of the next twelve months, document the changing seasons and the continuously shifting angles of the light throughout the year. Take several pictures a week, shooting to the south, north, east, and west, and in the early morning, midday, and late afternoon light. Since this is an exercise, don't concern yourself with making a compelling composition. At the end of twelve months, with your efforts spread before you, you'll have amassed a knowledge and insight about light that few professionals-and amateurs- possess."
I saw a cute blog where the mom chose to photograph her two children in the exact same spot on the exact day of every month. Each month she posted her project on her blog, and for the month of December she had all twelve in a collage. It was cute, as well as interesting. I wish I could remember where I came across it, but I cannot. It's the hair dye, you know!
Here are some examples of photographs at different times of the day. Photographs are from Peter West Carey.
Same rules apply for this challenge as it has in the past. For those unfamiliar, please refer to past postings. I cannot wait to see what you photograph, and what you learn.
Get clicking!
