During 2020 I ran a photography challenge over on my travel blog looking at different techniques throughout the year. I was not expecting that the year itself would prove to be a challenge in that the Covid-19 pandemic hit us and not only put paid to any travel plans, but also altered the way in which we conducted our lives. This year I am going to look at those techniques again using new photographs as and when I get the opportunity.
May was about another of the six visual keys which help to create a great photograph. This month was about being creative with light.Β Photography literally meansΒ writing with lightΒ which immediately tells you how important lighting is. And with light comes shadows. Another important feature. An appreciation of light is crucial to making great photographs.
Shadows

Above I was struck by how the deep shade on this wall was lifted by the sunlight dappling through and highlighting the mosses and navelwort.
Patterns

Backlight
I am very fond of capturing the light through flowers and leaves. The Viridiflora tulips could have been totally overlooked merging into the background without the light shining through.
Silhouette

Colour of light


If you would like to have a look at the different techniques covered throughout the year then you can see them here. Please note that I am not running this as a challenge, but merely using the old one as inspiration for my photography this year.
I love that first capture, Jude. My kind of shot, if you can find them. Have you a garden visit lined up this week?
Of course π
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Beautiful – and so good to see examples all together.
I remember that challenge with such affection Jude. And you seem to have moved up a gear on your own shots. Can’t pick a favourite!
It is helping me focus this year when I go out. I’m more conscious of what I want to show. Some fabulous clouds today.
We can do cloud at the moment. Heat? Not so much.
Wonderful inspirational photos Jude π
Thanks Brian, I couldn’t get out much when I ran the original challenge, so going back through the months is giving me a focus this year. Hope all is good with you.
I am doing OK thanks Jude π
Good to hear.
I love the shadows photos. So rich and evocative.
Yes, capturing shade and light is interesting. I had several attempts today which might make it onto the travel blog (as I’m not in Cornwall) π
A lovely varied set of images to illustrate your points about light in photography. I really like your first shot and the back-lit flowers in particular π
Thanks Sarah. I am very pleased with that first image. Glad you also like it.
Very nice examples, Jude. The harbour photo is ‘postcard perfect’.
Best wishes, Pete. x
Thanks Pete. I like that one too, the light was perfect.
I am drawn to the first. I grew up with a lot of shade and moss with occasional light peeking through. My childhood climate and flora were very similar to Cornwall. A marine environment.
My favourite too. I was trying to capture light and shade today by a river. Lots of moss.
Tons of moss where I grew up too. Made for great fairy house rugs.
These are beautiful
Thank you. Having a focus helps.
I like taking shadow photos. And that last sunset is just stunning.
The sunset was such a surprise. Half an hour before we couldn’t see the end of the garden!
Such wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing π