Photographing Light

Light is one of my favorite subjects to photograph.  This is why:  

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." - Aaron Rose

 “The artist vocation is to send light into the human heart.” – Robert Schumann

Temple of ECK, Contemplation Trails, Chanhassen, MN
"...the Light of God is symbolically represented in most religions. Stained glass, precious stones, and skylights are common in religious structures. Native American celebrations, as well as those of certain other religions, use fire and drums, as well as chanting, all examples of light and sound. Each ceremony represents the effort of people to speak to God in their own way..."http://www.eckankar.org/light.html

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.” 
― Michael Strassfeld

Virginia

“A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time now I’ve been conscious of expressing myself through light or rather in light.” – Henri Matisse

“There are two ways of spreading light… To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton

Don't Rain on my Parade!

Rain and parades don't mix and neither do numerous photos of the backs of people's heads with some glimpses of color swishing by.  Good parade photos require a good location, street corners usually work out well, or if you can get a pass to be on the road amongst them, even better.
 

2012 Mummer's Parade, South Philadelphia, PA, USA

Maybe a little too close - This guy doesn't seem very happy to see me!

Close ups are great but sometimes you want to be able to show more of the action.  Don't be afraid to zoom back out.  

 

Some other tips:

-  Experiment with your lenses.

-  Walk with the parade.  Shoot from different angles.

-  Know when to blur your background and when to make it part of your photograph.  Ask yourself, does it add anything to the photo?  Where do I want the viewer's attention to be?  

-  Most of all, don't forget to have fun!

"Zoo: An excellent place to study the habits of human beings."  - Evan Esar

Some of my best adventures have been at the local zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo has always been one of my favorites.  Not that I'm advocating for locking up wild animals in cages or small spaces but sometimes the animals are there because they need to be, because they can't be in the wild for one reason or another.  I'm not here to debate the validity of zoos.  If you are, wrong blog, sorry to disappoint you.  I am, however, going to give you a few tips on making beautiful photographs on your day trip.

Zoom!  Zoom!  Zoom!  No, I'm not suggesting you race through the zoo snapping everything in your wake.  Take your time.  Get close and personal by either standing as near as you can to your subject and/or by zooming in as far as your lens will allow you.  

The closer you are, the less you will see of the background.  If you can't close the distance between you and your target, blur your background either using portrait mode or by maximizing your aperture.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

The best time I have found to be at the zoo is as soon as they open for that morning feeding or just after.  Many of the animals are playful and animated.  

Sometimes you get a nice surprise.  I came across a cobra with an agenda, advocating for himself and those of his kind.  I thought, "All right then.  I will share your photo and your message as often as I get the opportunity to."  I've kept my promise and have shared this photo numerous times.

"Zoo animals are ambassadors for their cousins in the wild."  - Jack Hanna