Into the Light
Oct, 2013Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I shot this photograph in Alabama.Time
Approximately late morning/early afternoon. Since I was in a tunnel, the harsh light of the midday sun did not affect my photo other than by creating a better silhouette of my subject by providing a larger and more directed light source.Lighting
Light is crucial in all Photography. I take care to notice how the light in my photographs impacts my subjects and in candid moments such as this shot, the light changes quickly. In this particular shot, the only light source is natural and comes from the other side of my subject, which creates a silhouette.Equipment
In order to capture "Into the Light" I used a Canon 60D body with a 18-135mm lens. Due to the short window of opportunity available, I shot this photograph handheld.Inspiration
All of my photographs are candid. My subject did not model for me. I simply saw the photographic possibility, waited about two or three seconds for my subject to move into position, and took the shot. Since the opportunity to take this photo was limited, this is one of two shots I was able to capture before the scene was gone.Editing
The version displayed here is my un-edited color version, and is straight out of the camera. To see my post-processed, Black and White version, please visit my profile.In my camera bag
In my 16"x24" bag, I usually carry a Canon 60D camera body, 70-200mm telephoto lens, 50mm prime lens, and a 18-35mm wide angle lens. Other various items in my bag include a Polarizing Filter, a Neutral Density Filter, 4-5 short bungee cords, a rain cover for my camera, sizing rings to fit my ND filter on different lenses, a remote trigger, an extra battery, my battery charger, two SD cards (one 32GB, the other 64GB), and an extra pair of socks. If hiking, I typically strap my light-weight tripod to my bag. I use my space efficiently.Feedback
Always search for the perfect light. Since the worst natural light is in the middle of the day, I suggest shooting in the morning, traveling during the middle of the day to scope out possible locations, and then shooting again in the afternoon/evening. Composition is important to any shot - never break the rules unless you know exactly how you're breaking them, why, and if the breaking of the rules adds to the shot. Depth of Field can add or subtract to your shot. Take "Into the Light" for example: my aperture was f/4.0 with ISO at 200. While an f/4.0 aperture is typically for shallow DoF, I used it here by choosing a hyperfocal distance between my two subjects (the figure and the bricks) to take advantage of the textures and yet create a sharp photograph. Finally, visit unique locations. I captured "Into the Light" by visiting a historical fort and walking through the various tunnel structures. By choosing a more hidden location, I was able to compete with fewer visitors and could compose my shot with fewer distractions.
