So it's November. In many ways, one of the worst months of the year for outdoor photography. Gone are October's sweeping vistas of glorious colour. Nor do we have the soft white beauty of a fresh winter snowfall. Stylistically, it's a bit of a no man's land. But, what we do still have is light. From a photographer's stand point, that's all I really need. American photographer Garry Winogrand, when asked if he only used available light, responded "What other kind is there?" It's a great quote simply because it puts so much of the act of photographic imaging into perspective. Light is the primary raw material of the craft. The word, "photography" literally means "drawing or writing with light".
In November, the light is lower in the sky. It's almost like having golden hour all day long. Lower angled light emphasizes form and texture. It can make architectural detail in a cityscape pop. Although we no longer have the abundance of colour experienced in the peak colour season of October, the colour that remains is more precious because of its limited quantity. I often switch to lenses with a tighter field of view to isolate it. What colour that's left is often rendered more intense by the low angle of the late autumn light. Trees have less coloured foliage but what is left is emphasized by the inky darkness of the branches and trunks. Another option is to simply switch to black and white imaging and use such visual elements as pattern and leading lines to provide interest in the image.
So really, all I need to survive the November blahs is beautiful light.
Well, maybe light and a half decent camera. Okay, beautiful light, a half decent camera, some interesting subject matter and the love and support of good friends and family. If I can combine all that with a little visual imagination, I really can't go wrong.
...more later
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