Light Assignments "Light glorifies everything. It transforms and ennobles the most commonplace and ordinary subjects. The object is nothing; light is everything"--- LEONARD MISONNE "It cannot be said often enough that light is the most important element in photography. Use it badly and all your technical skills are a waste of time; use it well and any technical shortcomings that you may have will never be noticed." – The Amateur Photographer’s Handbook So for this exercise put your camera away, and let us embark on a wondrous journey in search of light! As with every worthwhile endeavor, be it music or sport there is no getting away from practice. As budding photographers you must practice looking for light & shade. You must conscientiously look for any subject matter lit by sunlight. Look at the lit side and then into the shadow area, be aware of both. The Photographs below are everyday examples. You will see them everywhere, once you start looking! You might be on a train or a bus or simply walking down the street. Constantly seek out images. Naturally these exercises are much easier, when we have a sunny day, but even on overcast days these observations are worthwhile. Remember, this is something you do from now on. Not for a day or a week!! I have been doing this for 35 years.
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 | The shadows are an integral part of any photograph. Awareness of light and shade is the first step on the road to becoming a photographer. |
 | Walk around your subjects. See how different they appear when in shadow only or, in light only. Remember, light and shade is one of the instruments we use in creating the illusion of depth in a two dimensional medium. Continue with light direction  |
