Making the most of the Available Light

I’m sitting in a cafe in London, under a blanket of gray clouds that threaten rain later today. I have my camera bag in tow and I’m ready to go - but the light seems flat and uninteresting, for the big scene. While drinking my morning coffee, I recall a statement I heard a long time ago made by a National Geographic photographer.

“There is no such thing as bad light; there is just light...” I remember thinking at the time - How can this be? As a pro photographer who took many workshops that focused on the importance of light, I was stunned when I heard this revered photographer speak those words. But after some thought, I came to agree with him. There is no such thing as bad light - but there is such as thing as inappropriate light, and it’s the key to making good pictures no matter what the light situation is. As photographers we just have to learn to see the light that’s right - and yes, maybe return for that image. But if we get good at seeing light, we’ll know the potential the current light has for various subjects and seek those out.

Guard in Bear Hat © Brenda Tharp All rights reserved

So as I sit here, looking at those flat gray skies, I know that the big scene including sky is out of the question unless the skies get more moody. But this is perfect light for me to head over to Kew Gardens, or the Chelsea Garden Show, to capture the colorful flower displays there. It’s also perfect light for the changing of the guard ceremony and portraits of guards, pictures of red phone booth details. It’s great light for views of people in the parks, architectural details on buildings and fountains - and for slowing down that water in those fountains. So what am I worried about? I have a lot to do - and I better get to it before the sun comes out again and ruins all those photographs!

Zoomin' Guard © Brenda Tharp All rights reserved

Comments

[Sue]

I am thoroughly enjoying each and every tip offered in these posts! Thanks to one and all!!!

[Peter]

I just had a great tour of your photographs and comments (on the Instructor Insight section of BetterPhoto.com). I particularly was inspired by how you described seeking out subjects that compliment the light because all too often I find myself using "bad lighting" as an excuse not an opportunity.
Now, I can't leave without asking a quick and what feels like a 'dumb' question. In your photo "Zoomin Guard", how did you keep the camera so stable while zooming at that reletively slow speed? I have been playing with this technique a lot and seem to always twist or shake the camera making my lines choppy. Any ideas?
Thanks for your photo's, comments, and many ideas you've left me with.
Peter