Photography is not simply about capturing a subject; it is about capturing the light that reveals it.
Light creates mood, defines shape, reveals texture and draws the viewer's eye. It can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary, or leave even the most interesting subject feeling flat.
Learning to see light is perhaps one of the most important skills in photography. It is not just about what we photograph, but how light allows us to see it.
To appreciate the subtleties of lighting at work, look no further than a BBC period drama. The careful use of natural light, shadows and gentle contrasts creates atmosphere, depth and a sense of time and place. Often, it is the lighting you barely notice that makes the scene so convincing.
