How Important is Light?

[PnwGuy]

I had one of those light bulb moments today. You would think that for as long as I've been shooting that I would already have a good understanding of this. But apparently not. I hear people say "when the light is right", etc etc, but I've never had anybody show me what the heck they mean. I ask questions and I'm told that early and late (for outdoors) light is better, more texture, creative shadows, on and on, but still, no examples.

I was looking for a shot for the current assignment and I had some time about 45 minutes before sunset (yes, we actually had sun) yesterday so I went to a local park and got a few shots. I really liked one shot but wanted a little more DOF so the center leaf would be more in focus. So I went back this morning. It was cloudy and gray but I took the shots anyway. When I got home and uploaded the shots, that's when it really hit home. Both of these shots are unedited, straight from camera. A little more DOF on the second one, but I think the difference speaks volumes on the importance of light and the right light. Just thought I'd share.

[metric_photography]

I like the first image better. Doesn't the focusing on the centre leaf have to do with the point of focus?

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

Originally Posted by metric_photography

I like the first image better. Doesn't the focusing on the centre leaf have to do with the point of focus?

it would have to do with the aperture as they are not on the same focal plane.

but yes, the amount and type of light does change the photograph heaps aye

[Jim Bryant]

Love the light reflecting off the leaves.........light is good!

[pjflan7]

I also like the first shot much better as the sticks in the 2nd shot are much more distracting and yes the light is awesoem in the 1st shot

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by pjflan7

I also like the first shot much better as the sticks in the 2nd shot are much more distracting and yes the light is awesoem in the 1st shot

Ditto, exactly.

[milosh]

Great example, thanks for sharing!

[metric_photography]

I got the impression that he liked the 2nd one better since the centre leaf is in focus. I like a more shallow DoF.

[PnwGuy]

Originally Posted by metric_photography

I got the impression that he liked the 2nd one better since the centre leaf is in focus. I like a more shallow DoF.

I had gone back the next day to try to get a little more DoF. When I got back home and uploaded it, the difference the light made jumped out at me. So while I didn't get the shot that I thought I wanted, I finally saw first hand what a huge difference the right light can really make.


In the end I like the shallower DoF as the leaf has a few imperfections so it's better blurred.

[TheDarkReaver]

Some good examples there, but I can't stop laughing at the thread title.