Picture This

Picture This!
Directional Light

Shutterbug Staff  |  Oct 1, 2006

Light informs the content of an image. It shapes and creates volume out of a two-dimensional image, and leads the viewer's eye into and through the scene. Indeed, the literal definition of photography is "drawing with light." This month we asked readers to send us images under the heading "Directional Light," and the response was overwhelming, and delightful. We were struck with the strong graphic appeal of all the images and how light was used to enhance each and every subject.

Bryce Canyon

These abstract forms are enhanced by the strong play of light running diagonally through the scene. Bob Gates made this shot with a Canon EOS 10D and 70-200mm f/4 L lens with an exposure of f/5.6 at 1/350 sec at an ISO 100 setting.
© 2006, Bob Gates, All Rights Reserved

X Marks The Spot

This graphic statement was made of a parking structure wall by Frank Goroszko with a Nikon D70 and Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens. Exposure was f/11 at 1/250 sec.
© 2006, Frank Goroszko, All Rights Reserved

Preening Pelican

Jim Mitchell used this strong sidelight to both isolate and highlight his subject. He photographed with a Nikon F100 and Nikkor 500mm lens with a TC20E II Tele-converter on Velvia 50 film.
© 2006, Jim Mitchell, All Rights Reserved

Early Morning Light

Helen Anderson caught this strong sidelight cast near dawn using a Canon EOS D60 and Canon 100-400mm IS lens. Exposure was f/4.5 at 1/180 sec with an ISO 200 setting.
© 2006, Helen Anderson, All Rights Reserved

On The Beach

The silvery light and cast shadow made for a wonderful mood in Sally Reis Vogt's image made at Swamis Beach in San Diego. She worked with a Nikon D70 and Nikkor 18-70mm lens. Exposure was f/8 at 1/125 sec.
© 2006, Sally Reis Vogt, All Rights Reserved

Double Dune

This interplay of light and shadow in Death Valley was photographed by Harvey Freed using a Fuji FinePix S2 Pro. Exposure was f/16 at 1/60 sec with the camera set at ISO 100.
© 2006, Harvey Freed, All Rights Reserved

Jump For Joy

The soft light with highlight kicker at the base of the arch and on the exuberant hiker was captured by Allen Novick using a Canon EOS-1D Mark II and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.
© 2006, Allen Novick, All Rights Reserved

Long Shadow

Jeanne Jordan used the shadow of the lamp to create an appealing image using a Canon Rebel and 28-135mm lens.
© 2006, Jeanne Jordan, All Rights Reserved

Forest Moss

The direction of light and arrangement of forms enlivens this image made by Mark Webber at Horsetail Falls near Bend, Oregon. He worked with a Canon PowerShot A510 digicam.
© 2006, Mark Webber, All Rights Reserved

Antelope Canyon

When you talk directional light Antelope Canyon can't be far behind. We received numerous images from this locale, and Tom Stubbs' shot was one of our favorites. He worked with a Rollei 6006 and 80mm lens and exposed on Velvia 100 film.
© 2006, Tom Stubbs, All Rights Reserved
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