This months article is about experimenting and breaking boundaries with our lighting. I want to hear how you all test new lights and techniques. Hopefully we all find time to "play" in the studio or on location so that we find new unique looks and make mistakes that help us to learn. If not I want to discuss how people find the time to do this and what steps they take during the creative process. So, chime in, lets hear how you step outside of your comfort zone...


Wes Kroninger
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www.finelightstudios.com
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I had always heard and believed that shooting on location in mid-day light was a bad idea, certainly far from the ideal of golden light hours. Fortunately that did not stop me from bringing my camera along as I accompanied my family for a trip the park (isn't it amazing how family outings almost always coincide with the worst light of the day).

At first, everything confirmed my initial thoughts that this was not the time to be shooting. Harsh high angled sun. Glare off the sand and concrete. Washed out looking low contrast photographs. Then I followed my daughter into this little play train (We were actually in one of the train cars just outside the frame to the left which had a few windows and an open doorway).



Suddenly all the elements that were working against me turned to my favor. All the sand, concrete, and far off building and open sky sent this beautiful light through the windows and doorway. I snapped a few shots and stared at the LCD in disbelief. I knew I was on to something. Here's a couple of choice shots that came from that day where I thought I would get nothing.


Best viewed larger.


Best viewed larger.

Anyways, the topic of experimenting reminded me of this day. Sometimes I think great rewards can await those who step out of their norm on occasion.

Those are great and the lighting is beautiful. I would say that place would be worth taking children to in the future thanks for sharing!

~Wes

Inspired by the mid-day sun, at Panda Express...

Great Larry, it's nice to see inspiration turn into expression.

Thought I would get more replies to this one. Come on everyone!

~Wes
www.weskroninger.com
www.finelightstudios.com
http://weskroninger.blogspot.com

When I'm scouting new areas I'll sometimes pop off purposely out of focus shots just to get a feel for how the backgrounds will look.





Then all I have to do is figure out how to get my subject in good light at the right angle to incorporate the backgrounds I like.





Oh yeah, and in case it isn't obvious I practice/experiment a lot with my own daughter as a stand in model