It's Not Really All About That Bass

It’s not really all about that bass, it’s all about the light.

Many times, when Steven and I have been heading to a shoot a waterfall, we have passed other hikers on the trail who comment on what a beautiful day it is to take photos. Generally, this is said when the sun has come out and is shining down in all its brilliant glory. In return we might say something about how nice it is outside. The truth is that we are wishing that it will cloud up by the time we get to the waterfall. For waterfalls, diffused lighting is optimal so that the sun will not be blowing out the water or creating glare on foliage.

Light is a tricky thing. Too much can overexpose or create harsh shadows (like when the sun is directly overhead) while too little can cause photos to be underexposed or grainy. Even mixed lighting, like light through trees, can create areas that are difficult to meter – some areas too bright, while others are too dark.

What we have learned is this:

For waterfalls, we love shooting when it is cloudy, foggy, misty, or very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

For other landscapes, especially at an overlook, we love seeing interest in the sky. This may include blue skies with billowy white clouds.

If it is a really sunny day, we like to shoot where shadows can create interesting scenes.

Don’t let the whatever the light is doing shut you out. Look around and see what else there is. Maybe instead of the wide expanse at an overlook, you could go small and shoot smaller shaded areas with interesting plants. Play with shadows. Go into town and try street shooting.

Be creative!