Magical Light

Light is critical to a photographer because the word photography literally means painting (or drawing) with light. Instead of a brush we use a camera, capturing an image on film or digitally, then producing it to achieve a desired result. This blog discusses the mindset of a photographer in dealing with light: the mental processes we go through in pursuit of excellence. These personal views are accompanied by sample images to illustrate relevant points of intentionality in the creative process, in the hope of helping other artists or stimulating discussion to share ideas.

When researching locations, a landscape photographer may crave sufficient quietness and tranquillity to be at one with the subject matter. After all, the finished image must arouse emotions in the viewer, to faithfully share the experience of being there. Or at least the image should raise curiosity about the location: the viewer wanting to know more and resolve any curiosity about the subject.

As someone who hates chaos in a picture and generally would prefer minimalism, a craving for magical light might seem to be a dichotomy. Yet there it is! With extreme light sometimes creating mental turmoil and a potential meltdown in artistic confidence.

I called this image out of darkness because of the dramatic light near dusk. There is a potential conflict in the mind of the viewer because of the extreme contrast. I decided to embrace this in the image.

In landscapes, composition is key. The mind seeking order and balance, even attempting to create this from nature's apparent chaos. The apparent lack of light must not deter us: fog or mist offers the chance of creating an atmospheric scene. We may often crave a balanced scene bathed in a soft warm evening glow, which to many of us seems like heaven in painting a picture of tranquillity. Yet there are times when nature offers a wow factor through magical light that we must capture and produce to share with the viewer.

Living near the coast at the time of creating this image, I woke to find a heavy mist. Having heard of these wrecks on the River Wyre, opportunity knocked. I called the image ghost ships.

In spite of flat evening light, the colourful buildings surrounding Staithes Harbour offer a fascinating subject, My intention was to create a tranquil evening scene through the use of composition and colour.

Descending from Rydal Caves, my good friend was the first to spot the amber glow of sunset reflecting on Rydal Water. We created a series of images from above the lake, using a telephoto lens. This was magical light and the opportunity was not to be missed.

Most important, to me, is the intention to share the sheer joy of being in a location: the mental calmness; the completeness offered by being at one with the environment and the sheer privilege of sharing this feeling in art form.

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View the images of David McCulloch by returning to the Overview section