Light and How to Play With IT...

[benjikan]

Umbrella's, Soft Box's, Reflectors, Snoots etc....Why? Just because it exists, does this mean that these toys are all that can be used? I DON'T think so...Hmmmm when was the last time anyone here actually looked at what happens with light? As you are in bed one night and if there are street lights, car lights etc. Just watch what is happening. Any Conclusions?

[Asylum Steve]

Hmmmm when was the last time anyone here actually looked at what happens with light?...

Well, for me, all the time. But I suppose for some of us our livelyhood depends on that, eh?

My philosophy and approach to lighting always starts with the meaning of the word photography itself: painting with light. And I feel the ends justify the means, so my sources would never be limited to what I can plug in...

This is a very good topic for discussion, as it encourages all of us, especially beginners, to look beyond the same simple lighting formulas and equipment you think everybody else uses. On the other hand, sometimes we need to learn the basics and the "rules" before we're comfortable enough to break them...

BTW, your pic wouldn't be an homage to Alien by any chance, would it?

[MJS]

Are we talking natural versus available? If its available and I need it, I'll use it.

Sorry, I can't help myself when I see and old and easy line to use. Deckcadet claims I have bad joke tourettes.

[Asylum Steve]

Are we talking natural versus available?...

I know you're making a joke, but it's a valid point...

I think it's more a question of existing light versus generated.

"Existing light" can be natural or artificial. And yes, it's taking advantage of what's available...

[shutterman]

I have seen the light and sometimes it drives me crazy when I can't get it to do what I want using whatever tools are available at the time but when it works, i love it and thats what keeps me going.

[Asylum Steve]

using whatever tools are available at the time...

I think we can expand that term to toolbox, a concept that's particularly in vogue now in many fields, especially entertainment.

For any given creative type, IMO your "toolbox" means having access to a vast array of resources, be it actual equipment or harnessing what you find on site, both natural and artificial...

[MJS]

I guess that would make my toolbox a bit creaky, showing signs of rust with quite a few screws loose, but it works for me.