Aug 03 2011

Using backlight when photographing

I can create a soft, even, but well lit image by using back light in certain situations. You can see two examples from the images below. The one on the left is from the Tomoka River Basin & Ocean Shore (image #0007) and the one on the right is from the Spruce Creek (image #0041) portfolio.

 

Using the light

Photographing after the sun has gone down to below the tree line I can shoot into the light and I will create a feeling of lightness in what is really a very dark, dank, and overgrown situation. I want to retain the darkness but also add a contrast of lightness. Therefore the mood becomes light and somewhat romantic but also has an atmosphere of dark mystery. Another advantage is as the sun continues to sink down I can just extend the exposure time. The light will just continue to get softer and softer and will create an interesting image. If you do this at sunrise the light will continue to get stronger and stronger over time which creates yet another sort of mood and image. I feel that the Florida landscape has a softness which I am sure  comes from all the moisture we have in the air and our surroundings.  I discovered this method early in my career of photographing the landscape.