Robert's Ramblings

Long shadows and soft yellow lighting make for great photos. Every photographer knows this but why? And how can we use 'why' to make better images?

Immediately we hit that value-based word 'better'. So if you follow the progression we really need to come back to 'good'. We hit another issue, 'good for what'? So we come back to who the audience is. That's where it all falls apart because the entire argument expands out again. Apologies for being so philosophical, but I find questions are the only way to really learn.

Ok, so back to the image. I am the audience and the image evokes in me a moody, slow bustle because of its lighting and its movement. The image is out of the ordinary as I do not usually perceive in shallow depth of field or in marginal silhouette. There are strong features which grab my attention but nothing so overpowering to detract from the entire scene as one piece.

Because this description is how I feel and perceive the image it can only be taken as my opinion. Your perceptions will be yours but you might find some of my observations useful.

Coming back full circle to long shadow and soft yellow lighting: for me it's about 'out of the ordinary'. It's about the visual treat different from everyday perceptions.


Photo: Robert Rath, '366 Days of 2012, Day 102 - Late Afternoon'. 1/2000 sec at 200mm f/2.8, ISO 1600