Most outdoor and nature photographers will tell you the best time to photograph is during the "magic hour." Great light does in fact occur thirty minutes before and after sunset and sunrise. Landscapes and other subjects tend to be bathed in a warm, russet light that can make for spectacular photographs. During the rest of the day colors can tend to be flat and muted and dynamic range can be extreme. However, if we limit ourselves to only this time of day we are missing out on 154 hours per week of potential photographs. Another great aspect to black and white photography is that it lends itself to the high contrast scenes of midday. So next time you find yourself putting your camera away because the sun is straight overhead, reconsider the scene in terms of contrast and tonalities. You might be surprised at what you can create.Monday, June 04, 2007
'round midday
Most outdoor and nature photographers will tell you the best time to photograph is during the "magic hour." Great light does in fact occur thirty minutes before and after sunset and sunrise. Landscapes and other subjects tend to be bathed in a warm, russet light that can make for spectacular photographs. During the rest of the day colors can tend to be flat and muted and dynamic range can be extreme. However, if we limit ourselves to only this time of day we are missing out on 154 hours per week of potential photographs. Another great aspect to black and white photography is that it lends itself to the high contrast scenes of midday. So next time you find yourself putting your camera away because the sun is straight overhead, reconsider the scene in terms of contrast and tonalities. You might be surprised at what you can create.
