Friday, December 13, 2013

Let There Be Light - Photo Challenge

I found out early on that light is everything in photography. After all, the word itself means drawing (graph) with light (photo)! Since the poor results on my first attempt at food photography, I've learned a lot about light, mostly by trial and error. The header photo for this blog is a good example. I was able to capture the beautiful red trillium in the early evening, with the sun behind it, which made for the pretty colors and shadows. Since shadows are the opposite of light, they are interesting, too. My last post showcased black & white photos of a pure white pitcher, where shadows were front and center.

For this challenge, I'm delving into my archives for photos where light is part of the composition and well as the exposure.


I love holiday lights and nativity scenes. In this shot, the only sources of light are the Christmas tree lights and two electric candles in the windows, to the right of the nativity figurines. I'm just learning to use Pic Monkey and did a little editing there to make this final shot.
Aperture Priority mode, shutter speed: 1, aperture 3.5,  ISO 80.


This was the sunrise the day before last weekend's ice storm. I stood, shivering I might add, on my front porch to get this one, probably around 7:00 a.m. The camera was on the  auto-without-flash setting:
shutter speed 1/100, aperture 5.6, ISO 400. 


This is another auto-without-flash photo of a sunset a month or two ago. You just can't beat the good Lord's lighting, so no editing here. It's straight out of the camera. Shutter speed: 1/30, aperture 8.0, ISO 100.


Finally, I can't do a post about light without candles. I used a tripod to get this one last summer, while I was reveling in my blue mason jar haul. You know, I'm still finding blue jars here and there in the outside sheds!
Shutter speed 1/4, aperture 5.6. ISO 3200.

Many thanks to Donna for hosting the Personal Photo Challenge every month. Stop by and take a look at all the lovely photos as we shutterbugs learn together. Merry Christmas everyone!

18 comments:

  1. So glad you could join us again, Nancy, for another photo challenge! Yes, photography is all about the light, and you have some glorious examples here. That sunrise photo really grabbed my attention - pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows, oh my! God got a lot of crayons out of the box for that one. And the sunset image has a feeling of tranquility. My favorite photo, though, is the last one with the candles. A grand trio, with an audience of flowers, and the light reflects on all of those glass surfaces, bringing a 3-D quality. Great job! If food photography wasn't your thing, I think you found your niche with this challenge!

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  2. Beautiful skies. I treasure the 3 blue Ball glass jars I have and I like the ambient lighting you've created with the candles in yours.

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  3. Nancy, oh those wonderful skies! However, that final shot of the glass jars, candles, flowers...my favorite!

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  4. Wonderful photos for the Photo Challenge on Light this month!
    Thank you!

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  5. Love the skies and the mason jar candles are fantastic! Glittery shot!
    Merry Christmas to you too!!
    hughugs

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  6. Beautiful skies! I too love candles in Ball jars.

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  7. The skies are beautiful, and the soft light falling on Mary and the baby is so warm and "gentle". But that last shot- oh my! Be still my herart. It is exceptional. LOVE it!!

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  8. Also meant to say the backlighting in your header photo is pretty wonderful too! What a shot!

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  9. Wow. these are all so beautiful. I love each one of them but the last one is my favourite. Great shots! Blessings, Pamela

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  10. oh wow, your pictures are awesome. I love the mason jars. so rustic.

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  11. by the way thanks for visiting my site.

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  12. Wow love that shot of the jars. Just enough blue showing to be dramatic. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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  13. Beautiful light-filled images. I love the third one with the light behind the gentle slope. It's a peaceful scene. The one with the candles is also lovely, evoking a cozy night.

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  14. These are my favorite photos from this challenge Nancy.
    All of them are wonderful - the light shining on Mary in the Nativity scene is so special.
    The sunset photo is my favorite - the clarity of the sky in the background is amazing.
    Inspiring examples - thank you Nancy.
    I'm following you now!
    Shane

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    1. Thanks for your kind comments - glad you enjoyed my photos. And thanks for following! Welcome to This Sweet Life. I hope you find a blessing here.

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  15. I am flad to have found your Blog. Your photography is beautiful and love the title of your blog. I will be back often. Loved the post on your marriage also.

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    1. Welcome! So glad you enjoyed your visit at This Sweet Life! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  16. These are all wonderful...I love the last with the candle light...love it!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate your time and hope you found a blessing at This Sweet Life!