This is an interesting shot because you can see the difference between 'hard light' and 'soft light'. The tonal changes in the sculpting of the face show subtle and graduated shadows to bring out the features - the effect of soft light. Under the jaw is one very hard line of shadow caused by a hard light from above. See the harsh sharp shadow? The difference between these two light sources is astonishing. They create such different effects. I have written a lot about this on my new website.
This shot was taken at one of my favorite places in the world - the Natural History Museum in London. I spent a lot of time there as a child.
Photographer, writer, teacher :: Live honestly. Progress through knowledge. Achieve by teaching. Communicate in writing. Speak in pictures. Every day, improve the world a little...
that's a big smile! to an untrained eye, you don't see those subtle differences in the lighting, but once you pointed it out, yes, i do see them. thank you for that small lesson. i learned something new today.
Well, firstly I spent a lot of time there too, if there was a choice of where to go it would be here or the science museum! In the old fashioned days....where you turned a handle or pushed a button! lol Secondly, how we take things for granted, it wasn't until you pointed out the lighting shades I really thought about it. Thanks for all your input!
@Cherrill - I still go there a lot. Every year they have the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition there... Its just finished and I missed it for the first time in years! Drat. But I always find opportunities to go there. My kids 'will' like it. LOL. Actually they do anyway and we all have fun there when we go.
I am positively intrigued by your lessons on lighting, Net. It's one of the keys to good/great photography. I have much to learn, but I'm soaking this up like a sponge...wish that I could watch someone do this. Fascinating.
Beautiful sculpture, lighting and capture.
I love the subtle tonal differences and the way the line of the jaw's defined. A toast to the sculptor, the lighting person and the photographer!
I've never seen him - I've only been there once or twice but usually get stuck at the rocks display. :-) Will have to go again - *after* the Olympics are over.
I love the subtle tonal differences and the way the line of the jaw's defined. A toast to the sculptor, the lighting person and the photographer!
I've never seen him - I've only been there once or twice but usually get stuck at the rocks display. :-) Will have to go again - *after* the Olympics are over.