December's Challange - BEAUTIFUL LIGHT

Ok...we as photographers talk about the light...some get misty eyed as we talk, some get that romantic "way off" stare in their eyes, but ALL of us know that LIGHT is our craft.

So whether your in a studio controlling the light, or working with a given light that is controlling you, show me what "Beautiful Light" means to YOU.

This is one ANYONE should be able to participate in.

Roman

Sweet concept, Roman.

James

Love it, Roman. Nice time of year for some interesting twists on that theme as well.

Jim

Great idea- congratulations on the November challange as well!

Thank you kindly on the win.

I cant wait to see what you all come up with.

I will give it my best (non competing, but curious as to what I will come up with as well)

Roman

Still nothing yet. I have not had the opportunity to get out much the last couple of weekends beyond work. Anyone else coming up with anything yet?

James

James,
haven't even tried. This week is the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship dog show here in Orlando and we've designed and are building/managing the American Rottweiler Club's Meet The Breeds Booth. Lots of work and it won't be over until next Monday. I'll post pics but in the meantime, no chance to address the December Challenge. Hope to do so next week. And, frankly, I can't wait!

Jim

I am waiting for examples. I know to shoot a little after sunrise, a little before sunset and to avoid midday light.

That is about the extent of my light knowledge. I am not sure what is considered beautiful light

I did spend time out doors taking pictures Sat afternoon and some were close to sunset. I am hoping one of them will work for this challenge

Hey Laura,

I think the term, "Beautiful Light" is a bit subjective. I think that it is safe to refer to this light as that time during the 'magic hour' before sunset and after sunrise where the light is long and the color is syrupy warm. I think that Roman's idea is that it can be created in any way that we like - either in the community or in the studio.

James

Yep, you can fully control the light, or you can be at its mercy (like in landscape work where you dont control it...it controls you)

Both are acceptable. Since I am not competing here are a few examples from my landscape work.

This is just a snap about 15 min before the sun came over the horizon. It's a simple shot from work on the 7th floor.


Here is some spotty light from the canopy above filtering on to a few leaves sprouting from the ground.


Here is some crazy light bouncing around a slot canyon, from deep shadow, to harsh brightness, it brings the canyon to life.



I have seen studio work with strong light coming from one side accentuating the pores in teh skin, and maybe some glistening sweat, or a still life with light balanced in such a way to make the scene come alive.

You get the idea.

Roman

Thanks James and Roman for the explanations and pictures

Now I understand

Thought I would shoot in the studio but today's frost and backlighting gave me one of my favorite lighting situations. The walk this morning was like natures Christmas decorations.

Merry Christmas to all.

Hi Peggy,

That is quite lovely. Nicely done. So far, I have squat.

James

OK My hat's going into the ring. It's at 500 ISO, so a bit noisy, even though I did reduce the noise a bit. I was at Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River last weekend to photograph some bald eagles there. We were there at the break of dawn.

Susquehanna Sunrise

That is a nice effect, the mist glowing. I can see a faint eagle flying thru it, and is that a tree in the background mist?

I like Roman's black and white of Antlope Canyon, also. Great
take on what is almost always a color shot.

This is my favorite light, a light colored backlit horse
[img:center]http://www.flickr.com/photos/41336078@N06/6540219755/[/img]

Very nice lighting!

Jim

Reynolds Peak at 9400 ft. above sea level
Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
December 18, 2011

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Sunrise over the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve as viewed from my kayak, November 07, 2011.

Everyone has such beautiful pictures.
I tried to do something different or interesting with light, but those attempts failed.

One of the barn ponds a little before sunset.

Hey Folks,

I had a hard drive crash on my primary desktop last night. I could not upload my file. Anyway, it was not as good as what has been posted already, so "I call Uncle."

Thanks to everyone who participated! I will get ready to do a file list and get the poll up ASAP.

James

Wow - our first tie! It looks like we will need to have a run off between Peggy Sue and Horsephoto!

James

Congratulations to Peggy Sue and HorsePhoto! However, there can be only 1!!

Yay, thanks!
Oni

Congrats, and now on to what your challenge pick shall be. What do we go out to shoot now?

Yep...grats on the win....our next assignment is?

Roman

Congrats on the win! Sorry, I have been absent. Just got in a few minutes ago.

James

Ps please pm me yourmshirt size. Also, do you need help w topics?