If photography is writing with light, darkness is the punctuation. Darkness defines shapes, makes two dimensions look like three, and heightens drama. It can even be a subject in itself. Here are some ways to achieve dark victory.
Nature photographer Marsel Van Oosten captured this wild brown bear at sunset in Katmai National Park, Alaska. He shot a burst using his Nikon D2Xs with a 600mm f/4G AF-S Nikkor ED lens; 1/2000 sec at f/5.6, ISO 200. Photo: Marsel Van Oosten
1. Take silhouettes
This time-honored (and often clichéd) technique defines forms by reducing them to dead black. It’s easiest to do when your subject is backlit; for a perfect sillo, meter off the bright background.
•Tip: Increase dimensional interest by allowing the edges of the subject to be rimlit; shoot bursts for a moving animal such as the bear above.
2. Exploit dark shade to define the shapes of trees
While direct overhead or near overhead sunlight is usually considered a no-no, photographing globular-shaped trees in full leaf and full sun can produce dramatic results. The small shadows cast by the trees make great design elements, particularly in wider-angle scenes with multiple trees as subjects.
•Tip: Shoot beach umbrellas or café umbrellas at high noon to allow the shadows to define their form. This is especially effective from above.
No comments:
Post a Comment