No video :(

A Tough Photography Skill that Pays Off For Life!

Подписаться 290 тыс.

Просмотров 54 тыс.

50% 1

🔘Go to squarespace.co... to get a free trial and 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
🌟Get My FREE 30 Minute Lightroom Essentials Course🌟
markdenneyphot...
In this week’s episode, we discuss a tough photography skill that pays off for life. See when I first got started with outdoor photography I constantly heard about good light and bad light and how the golden hours of sunrise and sunset were by far the best times of day for outdoor photography. And after a number of years, I've come to the conclusion that one can photograph during all hours of the day, as long as you understand how to use the many different types of light available. And, in this on-location video, I'll discuss a technique called photographing the light and not the composition that has really helped me improve my photography. I hope you enjoy this week's video and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
🌟2023 & 2024 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
🔘geni.us/markde...
💥1-2-1 Private Virtual Sessions
🔘markdenneyphot...
RECOMMENDED GEAR PAGE
🔘geni.us/myfavo...
📸 MY CAMERAS & LENSES
🔘Big Camera: geni.us/B0sKNO
🔘Video Camera: geni.us/x-t4
🔘Point & Shoot: bhpho.to/3wWKri9
🔘Action Cam: geni.us/oRhupMT
🔘DJI Mavic 3: geni.us/nKRMkt
🔘Fujifilm 20-35mm: geni.us/widezoom
🔘Fujifilm 23mm: geni.us/23mmprime
🔘Fujifilm 32-64mm: geni.us/midran...
🔘Fujifilm 100-200mm: geni.us/longis...
🔘Wide Lens: geni.us/fuji10-24
🔘Super Long Lens: geni.us/longte...
🧰 MY FILTERS & ACCESSORIES
🔘Best Filter Kit: geni.us/filterkit
🔘Black Mist Filters: geni.us/blackmist
🔘Top Camera Bag: geni.us/favori...
🔘Favorite Tripod: geni.us/rrstripod
🔘2nd Tripod: geni.us/fotopro
🔘Top Ballhead: geni.us/aspenb...
🔘Full Photo Kit: geni.us/photokit
📺 WATCH THESE PLAYLISTS NEXT
🔘Composition Tips: geni.us/compos...
🔘Beginners Guide: geni.us/Beginn...
🔘Editing Tutorials: geni.us/Editing
🔘Tips & Tricks: geni.us/Tipsan...
As an affiliate marketer & Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a small commission on the above links if you decide to purchase the item at no additional charge to you.
#landscapephotography
*LETS CONNECT*
Newsletter: markdenneyphot...
Instagram: / markdenneyphoto
Facebook: / markdenneyphoto
Twitter: / markdenneyphoto
TikTok: / markdenneyphoto

Опубликовано:

14 мар 2023

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 293

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

🔥QUESTION: What's your favorite type of light to photograph?

@johndurham5629 Год назад

I like the flat, soft light of high overcast. That's an American beech tree.

@FINS4x3 Год назад

Harsh light is definitely not my favorite, but since I live in Florida, where we have all the sunlight in the world or hurricanes, I’m learning to adapt. I’ve also found that in harsh light it really emboldened my pictures, especially those with a nice deep and blue sky.

@markallemang7745 Год назад

Partially cloudy with puffy cumulus clouds.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

@@johndurham5629 Same - thanks John!

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

@@FINS4x3 Totally get that! I spent 10 years in Palm Beach

@katharinewyland3070 Год назад

As a photojournalist for 15 years I had to shoot in all kinds of light. I learned to make use of what was available to me. I also learned that lighting is everything.

@lynngemeinhart8975 Год назад

I also grew up in photography thinking the only time to take pictures was 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening. Being forced to take shots the rest of the day made me realize there is no "bad" light. It's just that not all light is created equal. You just have to make the most of what you have.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Well said Lynn!

@mikejeskin7420 Год назад

but if not all light is created equal, doesn't that mean that there is good and bad light ?

@lynngemeinhart8975 Год назад

@@mikejeskin7420 No. You just have to work with the light you have. It's not good, it's not bad, it is what it is.

@lmglange Год назад

Happy travels to Bali !

@Doucettedon Год назад

I got my first slr camera in the early 80's. I photographed ALL the time, I made thousands of bad images learning what worked and what didn't. I learned I can make good images in almost all lighting conditions but some light is more conducive to certain photos more than others.

@peterfritzphoto Год назад

Some of my best shots are from the middle of the day - especially when it’s overcast. And strong directional light can be awesome for mono photography. 😄👍

@johndurham5629 Год назад

Those are beech trees. I'm with you - I love the flat, no-shadow light of high overcast days. And I do love looking for the interest of the light first. Thanks for that confirmation and encouragement!

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks for checking out the video John!

@NicholasNoeckerJr Год назад

Well said, Mark. It's been fun watching you progress.

@thomasdean2472 Год назад

I learned this lesson years ago on a trip out west. I had limited time. I would have loved to shoot early morning and evening, but my time was limited. I decided to shoot with the available light. Otherwise, I would have very few photos of the trip. This is an excellent video with advice every photographer should take.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks so much Thomas!

@iaincphotography6051 Год назад

Totally agree with you Mark, shoot for the light you have not the time of day. There is an awful lot going on between blue hours.

@alanevans9246 Год назад

Mark, some really good thoughts here! Part of the creativity of photography is working with the light we have before us. Hard to imagine how many good photos have been missed because it was not one of the golden hours…? Golden hour is great, but it is only one color/light pallet typically. The world is a much richer place than those two hours everyday, if they occur given the cloud cover and weather conditions. Love your channel and content and as always, keep snapping!

@consistentlystupid4726 9 месяцев назад

As someone who only takes photos when I go on hikes I don't always get to control what the weather or lighting will be like. This video is really helpful for learning how to make the best of those situations.

@cliftonwhittaker260 Год назад

Those are leaves on young beech trees. They stay on all winter and are particularly beautiful after rain or in snow.

@rdbimages Год назад

I agree. I am not about to limit my photography to one hour in the morning and one in the evening. I love cloudy days. Plenty of time to roam and find photos. One of my favorite ways to relax and reduce stress. I can take care of flat light in post-processing. I have many of those beech trees near me and always find them interesting and photogenic in a winter forest while they hold on to their leaves. Quite unique.

@Voyagephotography Год назад

Missed the low shot with that short green detailed stump in the foreground, browns & dark yellows of the wet leaves in the mids and then your light yellow tree in the background 📸🤷🏻‍♂️

@noelmallia Год назад

Love this great video as allways and thanks for sharing the information with us Mark

@richarddenise3886 Год назад

Simple and brilliant!

@reflectedlightimages Год назад

Beech tree. Definitely my favorite tree, especially, when they get large.

@craigpiferphotography Год назад

Thank you for saying this. If I only shot during golden or blue hour, I'd hardly ever get any photos. I may not always get the best light for the subject, but I'd often rather go away with an average shot than no shot at all. I've gotten some shots that I really like at all times of day.

@BudBetz Год назад

Very interesting shift. Never really considered chasing the light verses waiting for it. Great tip! Thanks!!!

@stephenchurch1784 Год назад

Harsh light is my favorite light. My style is semi-minimalist high contrast b&w and harsh light means less editing

@petermcginty3636 Год назад

Thank you for saying this. It was always a little annoying when other photographers would bang on about "good" light. I would sit watching and thinking, "but I have a 9-5 job." The only time I get to shoot is in "bad" light.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks for checking out the video Peter!

@brianbeattyphotography Год назад

Overcast and rain is underrated.

@donhendricks3190 Год назад

A great reminder to be creative with what you have. Nicely done.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks Don!

@RobBowesPhotography Год назад

One thing I was taught early on was there is no such thing as bad light just different types of light, play the light at its own game and adapt

@fusmcducati Год назад

In your opening statement about golden hour, all I could think was "he has fog/overcast weather, that is the best time to shot" LOL. I love the even lighting of overcast weather

@DaveBerthiaume Год назад

Bali sounds exciting! Hopefully we'll get to see some of your shots.

@randyschwager2515 Год назад

I love the concept of building compositions based on the light! This makes total sense! Thanks for taking me along!

@jimkuchler8239 Год назад

Thanks for the reminder. One of my instructors used to say… “Bad light is good light…”

@pederkristensen4691 Год назад

Thanks for a great topic, Mark. Enjoy your trip to Bali, great food and lots of places to catch great photos.

@chrisz2883 Год назад

I also found mid day or harsh light great for shooting infrared

@TheRaymonddube Год назад

Great take on light! Like the way you bring your videos to life as well. Merci!

@danderth Год назад

I appreciated your honest and candid talk today. I'm just an hobbyist, so all those pro photo rules do weigh me down, but you helped lighten the load today (pun not initially intended).

@trout3212001 Год назад

Very good advice about light. I like the idea of "looking for light to photograph" vs "looking for compositions to photograph". Thanks!

@Richard1861 Год назад

Have fun in Bali! If you can hop over to Java to see Borobudur, DO IT. It left me absolutely speechless. One of the most amazing places I’ve ever, ever seen. You won’t regret it. It must be rainy season right now. Don’t forget to pack four umbrellas, six ‘waterproof’ jackets, and a wet suit lol.

@cmichaelhaugh8517 Год назад

So true! I get so little free time to use my camera that I can’t afford to sit on my hands waiting for “perfect” light.

@barbarachamberlain6918 Год назад

Another very helpful and thought provoking video. I believe those yellow leaved trees are American beech. They hold on to those lovely leaves all winter.

@danielschmaderer Год назад

Golden hour is nice, but I usually am forced to shoot in a bit harsher light due to my current lifestyle with kids and some of my favorite shots I took (including my profile picture) is usually in harsh midday light. Great video as always. Glad you put emphasis in breaking the “golden hour or nothing” rule a lot of photographers swear by. Golden hour is nice, but there’s so much opportunity throughout the day. It’s not worth passing up.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thank ya Daniel!

@agardner6332 Год назад

As many others have noted I too heard that there were precious few times when your photography would be blessed with "good" light. Thankfully I thought well, if that's true, then how come I see many other images where the golden light is not present that are excellent. I like your laid back positivity combined with experience. Those are good traits to possess as a teacher.

@ChrisMcKiernan Год назад

Thanks for this video, I have been stuck for a while. I will now venture out to see what I have been missing.

@dfinlay587 Год назад

Most of my photography is during travel. Many times, you not are given the option on when to shoot. Much of that time is spent on a sailboat, so even the "what" to shoot is out of my control. LOL

@robertdavis1255 Год назад

Thanks Mark for sharing your experience with great comments....yes I have lost a lot of time in my life waiting for the best light instead of using what you have at that time.... maybe noon when it is 40c hot I don't like .... cheers from Australia 😀

@tomerickson5476 Год назад

As always thanks for the info Mark. I try to avoid the light this video was shot in and it is just a great reminder not to. Have a fabulous trip - I know you've been looking forward to this for some time.

@MichaelGarbarinoPhotography Год назад

I like to switch up my photography type depending on light. Soft light over cast or rainy days are great for Macro.

@paulbenson3441 Год назад

Hi Mark, really enjoyed your woodland video. Winter here in the UK has had extensive periods of cloud cover, some stretching for days and days at a time; today is just the same as yesterday and I believe tomorrow will be a copy of today. I've begun to learn that, as you showed so well in your video, that even in overcast conditions, there are contrasts in reflected light that can turn out to be really captivating. Your photographs of the yellow leaves against the damp bark of a tree was beautiful, and the leaves seemed to glow even though there was no direct sunlight on them. My wife and I visited the east coast of Norfolk last week and it was very cold and it was heavily overcast. But the sea was vibrant because of the wind and it lifted and broke producing spray on its way to the shore. At the shore the waves bristled with more light and it was those contrasts that made for an exciting, photographic experience. I've found it too easy to let bleak weather stop me for going out with the camera, with the assumption that flat light will produce flat pictures; and it does at times. I think I'm beginning to learn to be 'a photographer for all seasons'; it's all out there, it always has been, I just need to go and find it. Thank you for your inspiration, Mark.

@DavidMNewbold Год назад

I find that "bad" light is often an opportunity to photography in black and white (harsh light) or to do very close up intimate and/or minimalistic images (flatter light).

@luzr6613 Год назад

Really well elucidated - thanks muchly!

@terrylstarks Год назад

I was sorta the same way when I was starting out, but then I started to think about areas. I go to the zoo or animal farms during the harsh day light. Another thing is to go to an Arboretum or even a nursery if the management will let you photograph the plants. I’m lazy and old, but I can find someplace and take images no matter the lighting!!!!!!!

@timryan894 Год назад

Trees with golden leaves: I believe those are native Beech trees- they tend to hold their leaves until fresh growth pushes them off.

@philmclean2323 Год назад

My favourite light is whatever it is on the day I can get out for a walk with the canera. As you say flat light allows you the freedom to seek out compositions without the anxiety & excitement you get with great light & trying to see the opportunities & do it & yourself justice.

@davidshechter200 Год назад

Great video Mark! Favorite light has to be using the full moon as a light source during night photography. Great advice to pay attention to the quality of the light and how light interacts with objects as you hunt for composition. One of the best exercises I ever participated in was to go out without a camera and pay close attention to the light.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks David!

@richardpesce5325 Год назад

Thanks Mark. This has been very helpful.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Glad you think so Richard!

@JohnDrummondPhoto Год назад

That tree is an American beech. They are known for marcescence, their tendency to hold onto dead leaves over the winter. I took some very similar photos to yours just a few weeks ago for my own vlog.

@davidhuth5659 Год назад

Mark, the trees with the light colored leaves look like American beech trees. The rest are probably a mix of oak, maple, hickory, ash and many others. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

@xavierx1532 Год назад

Correct - beech

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks a million David!

@rivervine Год назад

We have those trees here in Kentucky too. I love how lacy they are.

@butch5511 Год назад

Every light is good if it fits the purpose of the image.

@JMiller1070 Год назад

Great video Mark! I felt like I only had to shoot in golden light for the longest time too. Finally I decided to change that mentality. I got into Milky Way photography. It's challenging, but rewarding. On cloudy/rainy days, I like to photograph waterfalls and natural arches at the Red River Gorge and the Big South Fork National River and Recreational Area located in the Daniel Boone National Forest here in Kentucky.

@JCW-e8e Год назад

Inspired me to out more whatever the conditions. Thanks.

@Apaolino21 Год назад

Love this. Such a great topic. Just makes me want to get out there and shoot more photos.

@iandavis1355 Год назад

I do have a preference for the blue hours and I also tend to shoot at night. But then again, about the only light I don't like is bright daylight unless I'm under trees or in other shadows.

@surflifeimages Год назад

As a surf photographer and seascape photographer, it's all about bad lighting.... The light changes so fast depending on the minute, the direction of the subject/wave, fog, glare, grey, bright, dawn, mid day. Its a mixed salad of light at best. However.... it really pushes you to utilize what you have, the settings available and be able to change settings at a moments notice.

@nevvanclarke9225 Год назад

Hey Mark, I live in Australia and I've been to Bali quite a few times. Just be careful in Bali. Don't drink the water and don't drink alcohol unless it's in a bottle. There has unfortunately been a lot of problems in Bali recently with alcohol fuelled violence so just be careful where you go at night but the scenery is amazing. Make sure you get to a place called ABUD... It's in the north part of the island and up in the mountains. It is incredible. There's an island of Bali called Nusa Lembongen as well. If you can get there that is fantastic as well. And whatever you do, do not get on a scooter anywhere in Bali as the people that drive there are just absolutely crazy. Have a great trip. Looking forward to seeing your photos from Bali.

@tompetersphotography Год назад

Sound advice Mark 🤙

@katkasey9365 Год назад

Hi from WNC! Learning mid-day landscape photography has been rough this winter. Everything is the same color and the sky is almost white (unless you get lucky with a rainy or overcast day). However, it's been a great challenge to find the best spots

@hoodoo_taco Год назад

American Beech, and yes, there is a lot or it here in the Carolinas. Great video, and have a great trip! Can't wait for your trip report!!

@rlfisher Год назад

You nailed it again, buddy.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

You the man - thanks Roger!

@JimEmbury Год назад

A few years ago I was in Bali and there was an old sailing ship in the harbour. It was noon and the light was harsh and straight down. Turning the image into black and white created a keeper image.

@bmeclipse Год назад

Totally agree. Because of my schedule, I can’t always get to the golden hour. I resigned myself to shoot what I had when I went out. I found plenty of great shots.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks Robert!

@DirtDigglerDetecting Год назад

Science of the workings of the Camera is all about the Light. :)

@roarmalmin8428 Год назад

Takk!

@klackon1 Год назад

I have never subscribed to the "golden hours" rule. In the spring and summer I am out and about at 5am, and I continue on until 10am - 11am. I have spent a few grand on camera gear; I am certainly not going to restrict using it to one or two hours a day.

@renoholland7090 Год назад

Waiting for the perfect light is fine when you have the time to do so. My wife and I have limited opportunities and when we arrive at a good spot we take pictures, no matter what time of day it is and whatever the lighting condition is. Living in Arizona, with bright blue skies most of the year it can be a challenge, I admit.

@Trafalgar42 Год назад

I do like the golden hours but I photograph pretty much at any time during the day. Living in New England, if I were to just work in the golden hour I would get just a few pictures a year. Like some other people wrote below, I work on the diffused flat light of an overcast day. Some of my best photographs were taken in overcast light (I'm an amateur wildlife photographer).

@penelopemcnulty61 Год назад

Thank heavens! It is so good to hear someone finally rebut the golden/blue hour theory of photography. As large format B&W film photographer as well, the cookie cutter approach to photography inhibits creativity and a true utilisation of technique. Thank you!

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks Penelope!

@richardpriebe4183 Год назад

Personally, I don't think that there's anything wrong with coming home with some "postcard pictures". I look for other possibilities, but if along the way I compose a few pretty scenics in midday light, I'm happy with that. I keeps me from getting stuck in that early morning - late evening rut.

@Trish12303 Год назад

Great video Mark. I have always believed you could shoot anytime of day, or night. However, I always felt like I was alone on an island. I’m glad to hear that I am not alone. 😃

@Trish12303 Год назад

@@brianjung4689 hello

@Trish12303 Год назад

@@brianjung4689 Hi Brian, thank you but I don’t think so. Best wishes.

@Ruscombephotos Год назад

That looks like an American beech tree. The leaves stay on it through winter, even though they have died, and are pushed off by the new leaves in spring. This is known as marcescence. Some oak trees also have marcescence, like pin oaks.

@Fleet42 Год назад

I love Hard light! That’s my favorite

@billkipper3264 Год назад

One of my favorite images from last year taken at Haviland Lake in the San Juan mountains. It was shot mid day with partly cloudy skies. Yes, the light is kind of harsh on the subject which is a large ridge above the lake but I think it works well with the shadows that are also on it and the softer light of the lake and trees in the foreground.

@jonwatkins2115 Год назад

Totally agreee with you regarding light. Nice video. One thing, are your camera and lens weather sealed. Have you had any issues with unprotected gear in the rain? Thanks

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks Jon! They sure are - no issues

@rolsonn Год назад

Sunrise shoots I arrive before dawn's early light.The reason, watch the light dance across the landscape and see how the rising sun illuminates different compositions. I'll select the composition based on the lighting. Cloudy days on the coast before sunrise I watch the sky and bright areas in the clouds to determine where I setup.

@nevvanclarke9225 Год назад

I agree, there's lots of good photo opportunities with light at all stages of the day any time I don't like it when it's direct blue sky with no clouds whatsoever. I think the contrast between the different lights makes it difficult but you can still get a shot and you just gotta know where to go. I think a big thing is just sussing out your local area and finding good spots to shoot.

@wesleylow3632 Год назад

I really enjoy your videos and shared information. I've gotten to better know you and given your personality, I can't believe you're not using a geared head like Adam Gibbs and many others. Keep up the good work.

@jimswift2400 Год назад

Flat light while difficult to shoot in is consistent light and allows for consistency great video

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Totally agree Jim!

@reddogtwelve Год назад

Great vid Mark, and I totally agree! I especially like soft light like the conditions you're in during the video.

@fandangofandango2022 Год назад

Wow Very Constructive Sir.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thank you!

@SteveAmaon Год назад

Excellent video. You were talking directly to me. I truly feel blessed to have discovered your video series. I have learned so much. Thanks Mark!!!

@pamgeiger3594 Год назад

Love watching you make these compositions. Could you tell us what you do after shooting in the rain to dry out your gear?

@gregfisher216 Год назад

Great video Mark ! Thomas Heaton does that ,working with the light . You can get more images with that mindset !

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks Greg!

@TheJoharri Год назад

Great video with very meaningful points on light. I also fell into the trap of believing, because that’s what I was told, that golden hour photography was pretty much all there is. I eventually figured that wasn’t the case. Having said that, sunrises and sunsets remain what I get most enthusiastic about.

@vsquare5653 Год назад

The Golden Hour is my favorite, but I like your idea, and I’m going to experiment more often with other types of light, and not different types of light hold me back. Thank you. I enjoy your calm, measured tutorials. I don’t like people shouting at me.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks so much!

@brandonmjohnsonphotography Год назад

Another fantastic video! I really love the tip about chasing the light instead of chasing the composition. That's good stuff Mark!

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Many thanks Brandon! Great to hear you enjoyed it friend!

@jamesbarnes3063 Год назад

Great body, I agree about light, but one has to learn to adapt. Using film is not as easy as digital. More opportunities to adapt. Have fun in Bali. I think Morten Hilmer will be there too

@jacquesgiard6943 Год назад

Thanks!

@johnpollock6996 Год назад

I think woodlands are so busy that the best time for shooting there is during subdued light, such as fog, which makes separating subjects from visual debris much easier. Low angled light also can be useful for backlit colorful leaves or other close-up/macro. My first guess on what the yellow-leaf trees are is Beech. I don't think they're very common on the Coastal Plain, but from the Piedmont and west, they are quite common.

@barrybarbas6965 Год назад

I noticed your gear selection all had a specific purpose and I'm sure a good reason for selecting it. I would love to see a video about the gear, and your process of deciding which gear. Even down to garments that helped when you kneeled in the wet forest bed. Landscape and nature photography has different gear needs. Sounds like an interesting video could be done, if it hasn't already.

@mariamullin4031 Год назад

Great video

@nealschneider6554 Год назад

Another excellent video, Mark. You provided great insight into how to work with different types of light.

@MarkDenneyPhoto Год назад

Thanks a million Neal!

@thelonghaul5214 Год назад

Love this video, great lesson. On a side note, what ball head are you using in this video? I’ve never seen anything like it.

@matt.coburn Год назад

I love rainy, misty, foggy days. The diffuse light makes for great photos. Harsh noontime light is great for urban shots with its stark shadows, reflections, etc. Limited your photography to just blue and golden hour is the wrong way to optimize the light for your composition.