Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/12/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Ted Grant wrote: Hi Brian, It sounds like you're on the right track for using available lighting. Not only that, it looks like you're on the right track certainly with the lady seated in the chair, as it's a perfect example of "shooting from the shadow side." I've been doing that for years and it's one of the staples of my teaching, "Seeing Light and how to use it." Every year during my Leica Seminar I give a presentation on light, how to recognize it and how to make it work for you. And as you said, "as I gain more experience with the Noctilux I will learn places to stand or sit or lie, with respect to the room lighting, that will work better than others." Exactly, and that's what it's all about. Light isn't just a sufficient amount to make an exposure, it's understanding how to use the available existing light before you. And to use it in a manner that's enhancing to your subject and the end result. With a Noctilux it's almost impossible to find a place where you "can't take pictures by the existing light of the moment" hand holding your M camera of whatever vintage. A solid effort Brian keep 'em coming. :-) ted ====================================================================== Ted, That's *exactly* what I need to learn! I don't have a Noct but my 50 Summilux comes close enough for me to take hand-held portraits indoors by window light. I was disappointed, recently, with results that clearly showed I was NOT photographing from an advantageous angle and I was NOT making good use of the light. My wife (the "victim" in this case) was disappointed too. Very contrasty results indeed and yet it didn't look too bad through the viewfinder. The whole series of portraits was entirely spoilt by the pooor lighting. I clearly need to learn how to "read" the light. Available light photography ain't as easy as it looks (sigh) :-( Regards, ===== Ray "The trouble with resisting temptation is you never know when you'll get another chance!" __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Send your FREE holiday greetings online! http://greetings.yahoo.com - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html