Capture dramatic light photography no matter where you are or when you’re shooting! Join renowned photo-essayist David H. Wells and gain an understanding of natural light and harness it for impressive photographs. During class, you’ll learn to spot the best light on location and turn any time into the best time of day to take photos. Want to draw the eye in with vivid composition? David will teach you how to control shadows so you can capture dramatic photos. You’ll also discover which exposure is best for your light and how to get great results from light that’s far from perfect. Plus, David will build on your flash knowledge and give you Lightroom® finishing techniques so you can compensate when nature just won’t cooperate.
Class Sessions
Learning to See Light
14:15
Meet David Wells, a professional photographer who's here to help you get the most from natural light. David starts by explaining how to evaluate light quality. Using his friend Barry the Bust, he'll show you how different times of day and seasons can change what your light will look like.
Finding the Light You Want
18:20
Simple math can help you produce the best possible pictures. David introduces his "Wells Points," a basic calculation that will help you identify the perfect time to shoot. He also shows how to use light to create dramatic contrasts and stunning silhouettes.
Using Shadows to Create Interest
13:56
Shadows offer a chance to create visual interest and play with the narrative of a photo. David shows how placing yourself in different spots can create dramatically different results. Also, he demonstrates how experimentation can result in some of the better shots of your life.
Meter the Light, Not the Subject
13:48
Color and tone are two totally different concepts. In this lesson, David will teach you how to differentiate the two to find the all-important middle gray, the key tone to help you set your exposure. Also, learn how to calibrate your camera to get that perfect shot every time.
Low-Contrast Light Situations
24:40
Perfect light is a rarity. For all other situations, watch as David offers solutions to shooting in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Learn how to use contrast to create drama in flat light. And then discover how to use a tripod to turn potentially difficult light to your advantage.
Using Flash as Fill Light
15:12
When natural light just isn't enough, use flash. David shares his wisdom on what your flashes can do. Discover the best way to utilize your flash with detailed graphics. You'll also learn how to use flash most effectively, both indoors and out.
Enhancing in Lightroom
8:24
David tries to get it right in camera and do as little in post-production as possible. Yet he knows that sometimes that work is unavoidable. Learn how to edit with your end user in mind. You'll get valuable insight into how to refine your pictures as David teaches you how he edits his own photos.
Your Instructor
David H. Wells
David H. Wells is a renowned photo-essayist and videographer who uses his creative mastery of light to capture dramatic visual narratives. He's worked on assignment for publications like Life Magazine and National Geographic, and held fellowships with organizations like Nikon/NPPA and the MacArthur Foundation. In addition to his status as an award-winning photographer, David is an incredible instructor, taking his talents to Syracuse University, the Santa Fe Workshops, the Maine Workshops and beyond. He currently serves on the faculty at the International Center for Photography.
Bonus Material
Dramatic Light From Day to Night - Equipment
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
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