The Light Around You

There is a quote from George Eastman, one of the founders of Kodak. He says, "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."

As photographers, light is not just a resource; it's our most powerful tool, and learning this is critical. I've always been fascinated by light and its role in photography; I love to look at light and how it enters a room. Look around every once in a while, and you'll see what I mean. My favorite type of Light is the existing Light that streams into a room. If the room has a large window, the Light that comes in can be fantastic. This setup is the easiest to use. If you look at most of my photos that use existing light, you will see that more often than not, it's window light.

Sometimes, I like using the blinds you find in most homes to add 'drama' or a little 'edge.' The light balances the light between the shades of grey, from the whitest whites to the darkest blacks.

Find the light that inspires you. I like to reach out to a friend and ask them to help me create and model for me. You'll find lots of exciting lights in a hotel lobby. At night, wander down any street, especially an incredibly light one. You'll discover light from a neon light or an overhead light.

Remember, light is not just a component of photography, it's the essence. Embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide your photography. Good luck on your journey!