Shooting the Light

Still in the process of bringing some older posts across since the move to Worpdress.  This is one of them and more coming soon.

Why do we stop to have a drink when the sun sets?

I am all for having a drink and watching the sun set, and for some this is a near-religious experience, but that is absolutely prime photography time! After a few errands, I was driving back to the lodge yesterday and as I passed a small group of zebra two things came to mind. Number one was that I need to punished for not taking my camera as I sat there looking at the image I have been trying to get for quite some time now and number two that this is the time we should be photographing Africa’s large mammals.  Sure, obvious statement but why is not more people doing this?

It is amazing how many people / photographers / guides like to carry on about the ‘good light’ when they are out in the bush yet when the light is at it’s most beautiful they stop for drinks. This is all good if you are going to take some time to photograph the landscape or sunset while having your liquid refreshment but what about the shots you are missing?

It is during the time that we make love to our tonic & gin (thanks Piano Man!) and poeticaly discuss how wonderful it is to be out in the African bush that an impala, zebra or even a dead tree turns into a natural work of art.  Photography is all about light. There are so many people who throw around the ‘good light’ term yet they never actually stop to use it, look at it or photograph it.

Sunrise and sunset must be two of the most amazing times to photograph yet many people are disappointed when they look at their resulting images. Al with all types of photography there are a few things to keep in mind when shooting sunsets and sunrises which include:

• Look for strong / interesting silhouettes – at this time of day they can make great images.
• Underexpose slightly to keep the texture in the sky – stops you from blowing out the highlights in the sky.
• Look for colours – colours create various moods in an image and they are everywhere.
• Meter off the sky – this will help you get your colours right in the image.
• Don’t take too long with your shots – the light changes all the time! during this time of day.
• Keep it simple – don’t try for too much as the colours and feel of the image should be able to carry it!

One last thing to keep in mind when shooting sunsets (and sunrises for that matter) is that you do not always have to go with the orange feel as in the images above. Sunsets are mostly dominated by shades of orange which combines the energy of red and happiness of yellow.

You don’t have to stick to these colours as the moment the sun disappears below the horizon you you will start getting colours that range from purple and pink to blue and black. Use these colours in combination to create dynamic images of whatever you can find!

Next time you are out in nature around sunset make sure to keep your eyes open.  During those last few magical daylight hours there are photo opportunities absolutely everywhere.

I guess the bottom line would be – stop talking about how good the light is and start shooting it.  And then have that drink!

Gerry