Friday, September 4, 2009

Friday's Photo Tip - Time of Day Matters



Friday's Photo Tip - Time of Day Matters





a military refueling plane flying above




Outdoors in the natural light is my favorite way to take photographs.

I am not a big fan of flash or studio light photography in a controlled environment, although I have seen beautiful work done with both.

Since photography is all about capturing the light, I like the way Mother Nature paints with it, and if I am lucky enough to see it, capture it with my camera.

And most times, it's just the way the light is hitting a leaf or flower that really makes the whole photo - and it usually only lasts for a moment or two.

I find that the best times to take outdoor photos is in the morning or the afternoon and evening.

The very early morning and early evening photos can sometimes have the best light as the sun is slanting across the sky and making unique, long, softer shadows.

I have found that between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, the light is very harsh and bright, and unless I am in the woods, and need this kind of light, then it doesn't produce very pleasing images.

This works for most of the year - except for the winter in my area. The sun is so far away with limited daylight hours, that the best time for taking photos is during those four hours.

Of course this time is probably a bit different around the world, depending on your location, but I think it would be safe to say that the noon hour is not the most prime time no matter where you are on our beautiful planet.















7 comments:

  1. You've summarized issues of light and photography perfectly here!! I get questions about this and now I can just give folks your link here to explain "light!" Very good work! And yes, I must be at a similar latitude to you because the times and hours you list are my schedule, too!

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  2. I couldn't agree more Kathy...time of day DEFINITELY matters...I especially love around 5ish...

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  3. Noon is the worst time--especially here. I love very late afternoon. It's not considered ideal for photography, but I don't care. I love the play of light and shadow even though most photographers would find fault with the lighting.
    Aiyana

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  4. I have found that as you mention, around the noon to 2 pm hours are not great for light. Early morning I think is always the best. Though a sunset at dusk can't be beat.

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  5. Nice photo..
    It's sooo green.. :)
    I agree with the light timings..
    Have yet to try sunrise though.

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  6. yea, you absolutely are right... i have experienced the problem of bright sun in the noon while taking pics.. its really amazing to capture the real colours near to sunset and sunrise.. real meant not so close.. relatively near.

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  7. Kathy, nice picture, and you are so right about the light. I also find that thick white clouds that are sometimes bright to eyes create lot of back light, and I hate it because sometimes birds sit on the top of the tree, and all I get is the sky. Anna :) PS excellent tip again.

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