Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/11/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Kenneth Frazier said: Subject: Re: [Leica] Light, etc. Now: Homework assignment. > Listers, I'm taking Ted up on the "assignment," and have a shot posted > that was an attempt at shooting from the shadow side, and would like > critique and comment. > > "light_test", made with M6, Summicron 50 DR. I was trying to shoot from > the shadow side, because I wanted to capture the feeling of the light > coming through the windows. However, the central subject is rather > lost. I am pretty sure I was metering accurately, but what I don't know > is what the meter was reading....light from the windows?<<<<<<<< > http://homepage.mac.com/kennybod/PhotoAlbum8.html G'day Ken, OK get ready. ;-) 1: You are not on the shadow side you are shooting where the subject is completely back lit or at best hard side lighting with no light on the face or front of the subject. Actually as wrong as it could be in terms of shooting from the "shadow side." In effect she should have been hard turned to her left towards you and the windows so the light coming in the windows was 3/4 lighting her front body side. Turned so her right shoulder was almost 3/4's aimed at you. This is what I mean about just looking at light until you recognize it and then you make your exposure on whether the subject looks "light" interesting or you consider it's going to make an interesting photograph. Almost in reverse to how she's standing. All your main light is coming from the back and isn't the least bit beneficial to your picture angle. It's wait until she moves and all you have to do is watch how the light is "lighting her face and front body in a 3/4 angle." Or if this is someone you know and can control, suggest a movement allowing the light to work for you instead as it does here... "completely against you!" And I saw someone suggested " flash fill!" Oh my gosh the worst thing one can do simply because once you understand how light works for you in a store situation like this, using flash is tantamount to treason when it comes to working by the light available to work with. Besides who the hell wants to shoot with a twnkie light when we're unobtrusive photojournalists! ted