Light is the most important element in photography. You are capturing the light and the type of light affects the image you will create.
The magic times are sunset and sunrise, the ‘golden hour‘ and the ‘blue hour‘. This is when you get the lovely soft light. Above was taken by shooting towards the sky where the sun was setting, creating silhouettes of anything in the foreground. Below is the view west using the golden light from the sun rising in the east which gives the landscape a warm colouring.
Sometimes you can use reflected light or diffused light where you can make use of light bounced off another surface.
There is overcast light which can be soft and subtle with a blue tint.
Backlight can produce interesting photographs with light filtering through the subject (as in leaves or a flower) or a sun flare as in a landscape image.
Direct light is usually a harsh light casting strong shadows. Colours can be overblown , but black and white images work well. I was lucky with this Hydrangea taken in the middle of the day.
Open shade occurs where there is no direct sunlight, but a filtered light which is soft and dreamy.
Sometimes the light is extraordinary and unusual like this sky below which was seen this week during a lightning storm.
And sometimes we create our own light, through using flash or long exposures.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #19 | Magical Light
Cornwall in Colours 
This is a beautiful collection of images, Jude. My problem with light is I often have too much or not enough in my photos. I’ve started experimenting with the settings on my new camera and that has helped.
Ah, now see, this is a response to the Lens Artists challenge I mentioned 🙂
Yes, I realised that when I saw this post. I’ve checked out the challenge. 🙂
There is something serene about filtered light!
I am so impressed with your photography Jude, what wonderful shots. I wish I lived near enough for a few lessons.
I only use the camera on auto settings Chloris, but I do change lenses occasionally!
Thanks for a nice ‘reflection ‘ on light. Important for the painter too.
Very true, though I think of a painter and colours more than light.
All you need to know about light. Great post Jude 🙂
Well I am sure there is more to learn, but this is a start. Thanks Brian. Feeling more chipper now?
Yes I am thanks Jude. Not 100% but well on the mend 🙂
😀
You use the light so well, Jude. I really like the 2nd photo. The evening sun which creates a golden glow is always beautiful!
Wow Jude!