The word "photography" comes from the Greek words "phōtos" and "graphé". "Phōtos" means 'light' and "graphé" means 'drawing or writing'. Therefore, "photography" can be roughly translated to mean "drawing with light" or "writing with light"

Photographers, especially those new to the hobby, are bombarded with adverts suggesting, nay, almost dictating, that great photography comes from using the latest and greatest equipment.

If this were true, then life as a photographer would be easy - simply point that brand spanking new camera at some scene, press the button, and hey presto - a photograph of such majesty to rival Ansel Adams.

Of course, life isn't that simple, and besides, if it were, I for one would probably find it extremely boring.
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What I love about photography is that phrase at it's heart - 'Writing With Light'.
Being able to take something we can't physically grasp, which people see all around them, and shape it to my will (mostly :D)

Master light, or at least get a better understanding of it, and it will do more to elevate your photos than any new lens or post processing

The 3 Phases Of Seeing Light

There are basically five phases a photographer will go through on their relationship with light

Each has a different set of challenges and mindsets. Each one leads naturally to the other.

To grow as a photographer it's crucial that you focus your limited time and efforts on the level appropriate for you.

Build up a solid foundation of using light, and it's like a fog is lifted from your eyes.

Phase 1: Awareness

Just be aware of the light around you.
Light is something we take for granted, but have you ever really stopped to look at it?

You may be aware that the light changes at different times of the day - sometimes it's right overhead, other times low in the sky.

At this point in understanding light, don't worry about how the sun moving across the sky makes the light look the way it does. Don't get caught up in the so-called rules of light (like the midday sun is flat and boring).
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Simply observe the light. How does it make the things you see every day appear different when there are different types of light on them? I used to do this on my commute back from Photoschool - sitting in the stop-start traffic, over time I became more aware of how the light made the same buildings, far away hills, and scenery look radically different depending on what the sun was doing.
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​Tip:​
You don't have to always have a camera with you but do always be looking at the light and thinking about what opportunities it's giving you for a photo.

Phase 2: Practice The Basics

When I was first introduced to studio lighting, we were given some constraints.
One strobe head only, no modifiers except for a standard reflector (A modifier is an attachment that changes the quality of the light, like a softbox)
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Here's an example when we were allowed to have a second light in the background we had to 'break up' somehow into a pattern - in this case half of a mannequin!

The point was to not run before we could walk. To understand how to use a single light source to create the image we wanted.
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Out in the real world, most of us will only have one light source - the sun.
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Learn to use it in a way that can create shape, form, texture, and a host of other visual elements which are the building blocks of great photos.
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This is a whole lesson in itself, if you want to know more about these 'power words' I've got a video here to help you:

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Phase 3: Build A Repertoire

When you look at your favourite photographers - you may notice that they seem to favour specific types of light.
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Alex Webb seems to like contrasty, shadowy type images, whereas Michael Kenna favours more flat, soft lighting, but with a hint of contrast
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As you practise using different types of light, you'll get a feel for what you prefer as a photographer. There isn't a 'correct' usage of light, just the way you personally use the light in your images.
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I'm sure there would be many a photo judge who would say Alex Webb's inky black shadows are a mistake!
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​Action:​
Find the styles of lighting that work best for you, and which feel most intuitive. You don't have to photograph like that in every environment or genre, but have some 'go to' approaches.
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In Summary

The whole reason photography exists is because of gentlemen scientists wanting to arrest the flight of light. To 'Fix The Shadows'.
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Without an understanding of light, no amount of technical wizardry or post-processing will create an image which has that elusive 'something' that makes a photo stand out.
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It doesn't need to be dramatic light, or Golden Hour (that moment when the setting sun washes the landscape with golden light). It just needs to be light which you have used purposefully and with intent.
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​Today's Action Step: Read back through this issue and find the step that most suits your level. Between now and next week - work on ONE aspect of understanding light.
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If you have any questions, suggestions of things you'd like to see covered in this newsletter, or just want to say hi, please drop me a line: [email protected]