To ingrain a new concept so it’s truly learned, repetition is key. The more you perform the action, the less you have to think about it each subsequent time it’s conducted. Hence the theme for this Tip. I deliberately chose three commonly written about tips with the intent of embedding the concepts into your workflow. If you’re new to them, may this reading be the start of your using them. If you’re somewhat familiar with them, may they become one with you. And if you’re a frequent user of them, may they become instinctive. See my most recent Tip posted on Take Great Pictures to read Part 1 of Random Bits of Photo Education.

Less is More: If you’ve been with me on a nature photo tour or you’re a regular reader of my Photo Tips on Take Great Pictures, you know one of my pet expressions - “It’s All About The Light.” While I normally reserve this for outdoor situations, it’s apropos for indoor light as well. Most beginning studio photographers flood a room with light from umbrellas or soft boxes as just about any subject looks good in even and soft illumination. But “safe” light doesn’t always produce the most dramatic outcome. Often, fewer lights, strategically placed at given angles, is what contributes to the WOW factor. Many studio shots are made with the main light placed 45 degrees to the right or left of the subject and a fill is used to brighten up the shadow side. A simple shift of the main light so it’s 90 degrees to the subject creates sidelight. Have the subject face the main light and an entirely different look is created. Play around with fill ratios to add light to the opposite side of the subject and variations are introduced. The bottom line is it’s not necessary to over light a studio shot. Experiment with light angles as there’s no rule stating you have to stick with traditional “safe light” set ups.

©Russ Burden

The Polarizer - Did You Know....? Did you know the traditional use of a polarizer is to add drama to a blue sky to enhance the color and add contrast between it and the clouds? Work at angles 90 degrees to the sun to maximize the effect. Continue to use it for this purpose. Did you know it’s also used to remove glare from water or other reflective surfaces that can be polarized? Doing so allows what’s beneath the glare to pop as the polarizer reveals the color and texture under it. You’d be surprised at how many surfaces produce glare, robbing the subject of its true presence. Continue to use it for this purpose. Did you know that a polarizer can be used as a neutral density filter? There are times when you want to slow down the shutter to achieve a special effect to show movement or motion. If you don’t have a neutral density filter but you have your polarizer, it’s a good substitute. Continue to use it for this purpose. Did you know that a polarizer is the one filter you should always have in your camera bag? Based on the above, you see its versatility so make sure you don’t leave home without it!

©Russ Burden

Learn To Read The Light: As I stated above,  “It’s all about the light.”  The sooner you learn to read its subtleties, the quicker you’ll know whether a photo op will be good or bad. Is the subject front lit, side lit, back lit or somewhere in between each of these?  What subjects work better front lit, side lit, back lit, or somewhere in between? Do certain subjects work better in overcast light? Do certain subjects work better in bright sun? Do certain subjects work better at sunrise or sunset? Does the subject work better when the sun hits it in winter rather than in summer in that the angle changes by a full 60 degrees? As you can see, there’s a lot to learn and digest. Many photographers observe light only when they carry a camera. I encourage you to study the light all the time. If you’re walking the dog, look at the light on a neighbor’s house. It will differ when you make the morning walk as opposed to the evening walk. Study the nuances. As you drive to and from work, study the light. Long term, notice how it changes from season to season. In essence, be aware of the light all the time. You’ll appreciate what you see all the more. Additionally, it will make you a better photographer.

©Russ Burden

To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Nature Photo Tours. Visit russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, email me to be placed on my Tip of the Week list and to receive announcements about upcoming tours specials or to pick up a copy of my book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.