Make Light Real: Two days crammed with learning
Well, as stressed as I was to provide content and learning for two days for some really smart people, everyone went home each day with a mind melt from learning so much…
Here’s an image of Tom Flint a destination wedding photographer living here in Rochester. I shot this image setting up the Alien Bee 800, with a custom fresnel 7inch reflector, and 10 degree grid spot in our “See the light, hear the shadows” set of shooting. This image is straight out of camera. The title of the exercise expresses my own little play on words, because we can’t ever actually ’see’ the light can we? We can only see what the light reveals. And since we can only see what is revealed - I try to teach you and sensitize you to listening to your inner artistic voice as you critically examine the shadow areas in your photos to make expressive light.
Because expressive light isn’t about the light - its about what the shadows tell us about the light - isn’t it.
The Make Light Real Concept is not only about good shooting techniques, but also about good Photoshop ‘expression’ of the idea and mood that you shoot for. Time, location and equipment can limit you at a location but if you are able to shoot with a concept and purpose - you can accentuate that light heavily in Photoshop using my workflow actions. However, creating good light in Photoshop, really doesn’t happen. Take a look at the original:
Let me know what the most significant breakthrough in your thinking was while you were at the workshop.
| 2.5 |
Neil,
First of all, the workshop was a great experience! You challenged us for sure, and kept the atmosphere fun. I can say that the most significant breakthrough for me was understanding my motivation when taking a photo. Instead of simply capturing a moment, capture the mood of the moment too. Easier said than done. Thanks for all the knowledge Neil!
what an amazing experience!! i see the world differently now. i spent all weekend in a daze…listening for what it was that the shadows were saying about the light. incredible concept, and so well thought out and presented on your end!! your workshop served as a major motivator in my work and approach to it. And “visual literacy”…worth the cost of admission right there!! thanks for everything neil…please stay in touch!
A note that I have intended to send for weeks.
But I have to be honest, I am still trying to formulate my thoughts of my few days in Rochester.
One thing is for certain, I see things far differently that I ever thought possible.
I can’t watch a movie, TV show, or even a commercial without analyzing the light, how it was used,
and the potential setup that might have been used to achieve the shot.
There are times I feel overwhelmed, but I am committed to becoming a better photographer.
and your seminar was the catalyst to that commitment
Photography is something that I know I have a passion for. I am not trying to ‘blow smoke’
but those couple of days, and your guidance is what has ignited that passion.
You were able to take the art of photography to a new level, but also took us a step back to realize it isn’t just knowing when to trip the shutter,
there is so much more to it. I like to think that I had a decent eye, but now things have changed, it is now on a different plain.
Sorry, I haven’t made it tangable in my own mind yet, therefore it is rather difficult to put into words, let alone an email.
I am currently rather frustrated, I haven’t been able to obtain the equipment that I need to take what I have learned, and truly apply it.
But it needs to happen, in order for things to happen. (although I did just order a 85mm 1.4) However, in the meantime, I have been on strobist and DWF most nights taking in what I can. This has turned into my 2nd full time job. Good thing I have a supportive wife. Lightroom has turned out to be a fantastic tool, and will enable me to more effectively get what I need out of my photographs.
Yea Scott! Let’s skip making it tangible and concrete and let the flow move us!