Photographing Light as Your Subject

Atmospheric events

Sunbeams aren’t the only photogenic effect that results when light and water collide. Every outdoor photographers loves to photograph rainbows! A rainbow is a spectrum of light that forms when the sun shines onto droplets of moisture. Rainbows always form opposite the sun’s position. If it is raining nearby and you can see the sun, then chances are you’ll get a rainbow. Sometimes, a weaker secondary rainbow is seen outside the primary bow, if the primary bow is particularly bright; this second rainbow is a reflection of the first, and the two together are known as a “double rainbow.” Because it is a reflection, the colors of a secondary rainbow are inverted relative to the primary bow.

A polarizer filter can help make a rainbow look more intense. A polarizer is designed to remove reflections, so when you spin your polarizer filter, you might see the rainbow disappear—this is not the result you want! Keep spinning, and the opposite will happen—the rainbow will pop out from its surroundings with a color intensity not seen by the naked eye. Experiment with the polarizer, turning the filter until you get the most intense result.

A rainbow forms over a group of king penguins right after a brief shower, Falkland Islands. Canon 5DSR, Canon 11-24mm f/4 lens, ISO 100, f/7.1, 1/100 second.

Shadows and light

The interplay of light and shadow can create interesting patterns and compositional shapes. A mix of light and shadows adds detail and texture to an image and can be used to create three-dimensional relief. I always keep an eye out for interesting shapes and color contrasts formed by shadows and light, especially early in the morning or late in the day.

Shapes that are sufficiently interesting can be used as the primary subject of a photograph. Here, the interaction of light and shadow defines a compositional shape—the s-curve created by the sunlit sand dune. Death Valley National Park, USA. Canon 5DII, Contax 35-70mm f/3.4 lens with Canon adapter, ISO 50, f/16, 1/15 second.

Reflected light

Reflected light is simply light cast by a reflection. When an object glows brightly enough, it will bounce that light onto other nearby objects. Reflected light can come from a variety of sources, including water, clouds, and the sky. Even rocks can create reflected light; for example, reflected light is what illuminates the dark interiors of deep sandstone canyons, giving them their famous glow. The effect is typically strongest during the middle of the day when the sun is high enough to illuminate rocks at the top of the canyon, which then bounce light onto the rocks in shadow below. This reflected light can often be very intense and colorful, and can create patterns of color that can be used as compelling subjects of your photo compositions.

Light striking rocks at the top of this sandstone canyon is reflected deep into the shadows of the canyon, creating a colorful glow. I used the resulting patterns of color as the basis of my composition. Secret Canyon, USA. Canon 5DSR, Canon 8-15mm f/4 fisheye lens, ISO 400, f/11, 0.5 seconds.

Conclusion

Light is always a critical element of every photograph, but when conditions are right, the light itself can take center stage. Always be on the lookout for opportunities for photographing light as your subject.

If you want to learn more about the creative use of light in photography, check out my ebook Chasing the Light.

About the author: Whether hanging over the rim of an active volcano, braving the elements to photograph critically-endangered species, or trekking deep into the wilderness to places most people will never see, world-renowned professional photographer Ian Plant travels the globe seeking out amazing places and subjects in his never-ending quest to capture the beauty of our world with his camera. Ian is a frequent contributor to many leading photo magazines, Managing Editor of Outdoor Photography Guide, a Tamron Image Master, and the author of numerous books and instructional videos. Known for his inspiring images and single-minded dedication to creating the perfect photo, Ian has reached hundreds of thousands of people around the world in his mission to inspire and educate others in the art of photography. You can see more of his work at www.ianplant.com.

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