Reading for Assignment 4: Light

I have a book entitled 'Digital Landscape Photography: in the footsteps of Ansel Adams and the great master', by Michael Frye. (Focal press - 2010)

In the chapter entitled 'Light' there is a quote:

"It cannot be too strongly emphasised that reflected light is the photographer's subject matter. Whether you photograph shoes, ships or sealing wax, it is the light reflected from your subject that forms your image".

- Edward Weston

He sets out the discussion on light with an exploration of the four basic kinds of light: soft light; front light; sidelight; backlight. Each section is illustrated with examples of his own work and that of Adams. He deepens the exploration with thoughts on contrast; front lit silhouettes; texture and form; translucence; lens flare. he extends the subject with ideas about reflections; chiaroscuro; colour temperature; bounce light.

The effect of sitting in the sunshine and reading this book, in my garden, was like sliding slowly into a deep pool. For once, the rush of trying to get all the exercises in the assignment was stilled. For once, I was slowly absorbing the thoughts of someone else on this whole subject.

It was also good to see an echo of everything that I have been reading in Assignment 4. When I reflect on the experience of carrying out the various exercises I shall be taking small steps toward a better understanding of the subject of light. I imagine that the actual assignment will bring all the learning together.