Using AVAILABLE LIGHT

by Monty Hayes McMillan

Everyone has their favorite photos. And now that most everyone has a digital camera, we all want to learn how to take better pictures. In this column we will feature one of our Directors of Photography talking about one of their favorite photos and what makes it great along with some tips on how to make your photos and videos better. This month, I will show you his favorite photo, one I took of Pamela Jaye Smith.

We at High Tech Media are experts at creating well-lit scenes using artificial lighting. Most of the time this is necessary because Mother Nature can’t be counted on to be on-board with the production schedule. But when natural light can be used effectively, the results can be spectacular. We also understand weather forecasting and how the sun’s angle changes throughout the year and during the day. Sometimes the use of natural light is very well planned as part of the production schedule and sometimes beautiful things just happen and the good professional crew will take advantage of this. This photo is an example of taking advantage of the existing light on the spur of the moment.

The main thing that makes this picture so wonderful is the use of all natural light, even though it was taken inside. The picture was shot during mid-morning when the angle of the sun is low enough to come in through an east-facing window and supply a soft, even spread of illumination. The right side of her face is lit perfectly and there is enough reflected light to partially illuminate the left side of her face.

Keep in mind that this was not something I planned. I noticed the light hitting just so and Pamela was able to pose in such a way to take maximal advantage of the light. Also note that because of the angle of the sun and the time of day, there was only about 10 minutes that the sun would be at this angle. If didn’t act quickly and my subject wasn’t so cooperative, this would have been a missed opportunity.

There are a number of other ingredients that make this picture stand out. Notice the way the light reflects off her belt buckle and the highlights on her thighs. The angle of her arms creates tension and motion, as does the long hair blowing out from the left side The center line created by the part in her hair, the shadow-line of her profile, and the Levis 501 button fly all imply a bilateral symmetry or balance. The light rippling over the folds of the t-shirt create an almost marble-like sculpted look. Also note the S-curve (or Hogarth Curve) the light makes across the form of the entire photo, drawing the eye smoothly around the content. Plus, Pamela is engaging the camera, which draws the viewer in.

So remember: Keep your camera at the ready to act quickly and take advantage of available light!