ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

with Cathy & Gordon ILLG

PHOTO TIPS

 

I SAW THE LIGHT Part 1

MAKE THE MOST OF ALTERNATIVE LIGHTING SITUATIONS IN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
We decided to break this subject up into two parts for a couple of reasons. One, we didn’t want it to take up too much space on the website, and two, the weather is perfect and we’re getting tired of hiding in the basement, so we took the quickest way out. Also, some of you may have seen this piece in on-line magazines where we’ve had it published, but we think it’s important, so we’re throwing it out there again.

Most wildlife photographers learn early in the game to keep the sun at their back to get the best results. And front lighting does indeed work great in most situations. In fact, in most situations it is probably the best way to go. But it is not the only way. Sometimes it’s nice to give your subject a different feel by shooting it with the sun somewhere other than over your shoulder.

As wildlife photographers we often have to accept whatever light the subject presents itself in, but there are times when we do have a choice. When that big bull elk, egret or Bohemian waxwing appears, the first thing is to get a shot, any shot, of the animal. Then, if the animal will let you, try to compose the shot with an eye for, among other things, the kind of light you want to portray it in. Here is what different angles of light will do for your image.

Front Light--This is the traditional choice, and 90 percent of the published wildlife images are presented this way. For one thing, the human eye is designed so that we see things better when they are front lit. Front lighting is great for stopping action, and also for showing reflections. Not to take anything away from front light (to be honest, Cathy & I shoot most of our subjects this way, also), but it is also the stereotypic, clichéd way to present your subject.

Side Light--Strong, direct side light is going leave part of your subject well-exposed and part of it in the dark. The strength of your image is going to depend on what part of your subject is well-exposed and how well the background is lit. Unless you have a subject with a particularly photogenic butt, you want the animal facing the sun. Ideally, you also want the highlighted portion of the animal against a shadowed or dark background. In this type of photo, the animal’s face stands out clearly while the rest of its body is shadowy and a bit indistinct. This treatment can give your subject a very dramatic feel.

Scenic photographers have long known that side light is great for bringing out the texture of subjects (like sand dunes) because it creates strong shadows. Well, it does the same thing for wildlife subjects. If you have a subject with large scales, fuzzy hair or rough feathers, side lighting can let your viewer know what it would be like to touch that animal.