Photography tutorial: how to work with outdoor light
Sunday, April 13th, 2008
One of my earliest lessons in photography began with a trip to the Perth Airport. Aged no more than 5, I remember sitting on a wall and watching as aircraft launched themselves into the air. These were the days of very little security. At the time, waiting passengers were invited to enjoy the thrill of takeoff from an outdoor garden next to the runway. In fact, had I slipped off the metre high wall I was perched on, I would have found myself along side a boarding plane. How things have changed.
I was asked recently which, out of all the photographs I have taken, was my personal favourite. While I found it hard to pinpoint my assumptions on just one image, it started me thinking about my favourite photographs and the circumstances in which I created them. Sometimes they happen when you least expect them to and often in an environment that you would consider less than ideal for photography.
Often, the most effective use of your flashgun is off-camera. In other words, the flash is not sitting on the camera’s hotshoe, but is physically disconnected.
Ian Rolfe discusses ways we are able to see and photograph the reflected colour and liquid motion of nature’s water features… 
Elaborate studios are not necessary for portraiture. In fact, very little room is required for head and shoulder portraits, and a corner of the home living room is usually more than enough space for a simple lighting and backdrop set-up.
Ian Rolfe explains the importance of understanding the qualities of light in your photography.
“If photography is used merely as a technical process to record some visual fact, it is an appendage to science. However, if it is used as an expression of emotions that’s personal to each individual…it becomes art.” - Peter Rose Pulbam
You are walking alone through a silent landscape. You notice that it is neither light nor dark. Your mind begins to conjure up images. You are in… the twilight zone.
