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Assignment: And Then There Was Light!

Don't be bashful! If you want comments, give comments. You don't need to be an expert photographer to express your opinion about the work of others. You don't need to go into great depth. A simple remark about cropping, composition, color, subject matter, etc. can be of just as much help to a budding photographer as an in-depth critique.

For this assignment, choose one of the lighting situations described in this chapter. Make sure it is one that inspires you or that caught your attention, so that you enjoy the process of discovery more. Make a portrait of a child or children using this quality of light. In this photograph, make a statement about light and your use of it. Make sure that your flash is turned off or that you set your ISO high enough so the flash does not fire as you should be trying to see and use the available light in the setting

For example, in this photograph of a father holding his newborn baby, a high-key environment was chosen with a very simple background. The values of the white wall and white pants sit back, while the skin tones of the dad and baby come forward as the focal point of the photograph. A large window to the right side of the subjects provides a soft directional light that gives the figures shape, form, and texture. The overall image conveys a gentleness that surrounds a very sensitive moment. Image shot at 1/125 second, f/8 at ISO 400.

Remember to visit www.photoworkshop.com/books after you complete this assignment and share your favorite photo! It’s a community of enthusiastic photographers and a great place to view what other readers have created. You can also post comments, and read other encouraging suggestions and feedback.