Lesson One
by Brian Ratty © 2005
Visual Themes: Light
Let’s start by looking at some pictures that have different themes as there primary elements. Each and every successful image has one or more visual themes. If you were a fashion photographer, of course the fashions would be one of your themes, if you were a photojournalist, the news event would be one theme. If you were shooting portraits your subject would be the main theme. But, in each type of photography there are many other themes that compliment and in some cases may even dominate the pictures main theme. These other themes can be: light, color, focus and /or composition.

View Video Clip
Theme: Light
 (7:02 Mins. 35MB)

First we will critique some images where the use of light is the primary or secondary theme. Then we will critique a series of photographs that have the strong use of colors as a theme. Next we will critique some shots where the control of focus is used or should have been used as a theme. Finally we will critique some images where the rules of good and not so good composition is apparent as a theme.

Further on in this workshop you will see how simple it is to identify some of the basic themes in ordinary objects. But first lets start with one very basic theme, light.


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Meter for Middle Gray
Whenever I think about images with light as the main theme, I think about sunsets and sunrises. There is something magical about this time of day. Images like this one communicate the beauty of the moment. But remember that correct exposure control is needed, so meter for middle gray in the sky and ‘bracket’ your exposure.


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Look For The 'Color Quality' Of Your Light

The best thing about shooting outside early in the morning or late in the afternoon is the ‘color quality’ of the light. While this image may be a little static, due to the composition, the use of the warm light supports the main theme of the couple’s affection for each other.


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Use Silhouettes
Another use of early and late lighting is the opportunity to use silhouettes. In this image the people are silhouetted against the horizon with the strong shapes of the rocks in the background. Accurate exposure control is required and then bracket your exposure both ways for insurance.


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Many Themes Can Work Well Together
Here the lighting contrast is one theme while the child and the shape of the slide are two more themes. The 3 themes work well together. Once again the lighting is late afternoon or early morning. This type of light provides strong lighting contrast.


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Use a Reflector or Flash As A Fill Source
Here the light’s strong contrast has washed out most of the details in the face of the subject. The photographer needed to use a reflector or flash as a fill source. This type of fill light would have put ‘life’ into the subjects eyes and help render details in the shadow side of the face.

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Strong Contrast Can Work

 But here that same strong contrast does work. While the eyes are in shadow and there is little detail on the shadow side of the face, the image still works. Why? Because of the texture and color of both the face and turban. This image is strong with all its characteristics.


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Soft Light Brings Softness To Your Images
Here the photographer used soft sunlight and the shade of a tree to make the image of the boy soft but yet bright with color and character. This type of soft shade light will always bring depth and softness to your images.



One of the hardest environments for correct exposure control is shooting in bright snow or sand. Your in camera meter is calibrated for 18% gray so when it reads off the snow or sand it will give you a incorrect reading. Always question your meters accuracy when working in these environments. Remember to open up one or two stops to make sure your image has the right exposure for the film type you are using. Then bracket that exposure for insurance.


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Correct Exposure Control

Here the light and shadows make the image interesting. I also like the contrast between the dark rod iron and the white snow. Once again, correct exposure control is required to hold details in both the high lights and shadows.

The very first element in any successful image is light and how the photographer chooses to see and manipulate that light. Next we will take a look at some images where color is one of the visual themes.

The contents of this workshop are available on DVD
"Learn To Critique Photography Film & Digital"

 

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