Against The Light - (including Ten Images)

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There’s value in sharing imperfect work, not as a statement or strategy, but as part of the learning process. We all produce images that fall short in one way or another, and sometimes those can open the door to the most valuable insights. But the real growth happens when we’re willing to hear those insights and consider them, even if they challenge our initial vision or intention.

The strongest photographers I’ve seen—regardless of their experience—tend to share a common trait: openness. They’re curious, not defensive. They ask questions. They take a second look. That kind of mindset often leads to breakthroughs that wouldn’t happen in isolation.

It’s easy to fall in love with our own interpretations or defend a creative choice, but the ability to take a step back and see how others perceive the work—that’s where growth starts. It’s not about being right; it’s about being willing to see more.

[Round Tuit]

I'm not sure, Andre, but that sounds like a challenge! Played with it just for fun.

No Daniel, it was not meant as a challenge. The artists that champion this style shun beautiful pictures because it shift the attention to the picture at the expense of the subject. So if you make it beautiful, it will no longer be of that style.

[Round Tuit]

...the ability to take a step back and see how others perceive the work—that’s where growth starts. It’s not about being right; it’s about being willing to see more.

That applies to so much more than photography.

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No Daniel, it was not meant as a challenge. The artists that champion this style shun beautiful pictures because it shift the attention to the picture at the expense of the subject. So if you make it beautiful, it will no longer be of that style.

Of course, it wasn't meant as a challenge. I just twisted it playfully. I don't know about the photography style you referenced, so Im in no position to comment. Cheers

[AntonioCorreia]

Dear companions of these magnificent digital wanderings, a huge and heartfelt thank you for your fantastic participation in this thread started by William !
At a time when our beloved forum seems to be having a little nap (or perhaps it's just catching its breath for new adventures!), having such an impressive number of visits is truly encouraging and comforting!
It's like finding a lit bonfire on a cold winter's night where we are all the flame that keeps this little corner of the internet alive and cosy !

Every click, every comment, every moment you spend here becomes a little celebration. After all, what would a forum be without its faithful "forumites"? It would be like a stage without an audience, like a joke without laughter, like a café without conversation!
Keep it up, keyboard heroes! May these digital wanderings bring us many more adventures, lively discussions and, who knows, a few good laughs along the way !

A virtual toast to all of you! 🥂
P.S. - If anyone has tips for waking the forum from its snooze, we're all ears! 😄

[William W]

Firstly my apologies for my absence: suffice to say - life just got in the way – I trust that is enough of an explanation.

Secondly sincere thanks for the detailed and enthusiastic responses.

And thirdly, thank those of you for the kind comments directed to my photographs and skills.

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When I began this conversation I wanted to achieve was an introspective (for each of us), rather than commentary (on the others of us).

That stated, here are a few comments concerning mine -

> it’s interesting to me that my photo of the Bride created more interest than my photo of the soldier in Leon, France. I suspect that because all of my photos (except the Soldier) were published here without Titles and Context, some meaning of Artist’s Intention was not apparent. That’s interesting.

> following on from the point above – Image 10 (the one legged man) was part of a Series commissioned and accepted pro bono for the Wayside Chapel in Sydney to raise awareness of homelessness.

> following on from the tow points above, the Soldier and the one legged man were indeed (from the point of view of the Artist’s Statement) “against the light”.

Hence I think that understanding Context and an Artist’s Statement of Intent is often useful, not necessarily for critique, but certainly for understanding.

> I particularly like the photo of the Bride: mainly because it was technically difficult to make. I particularly like using only Available Light, and that was made several years ago with an EOS 20D and a 50/1.4 (and Available Light – and not bracketed exposures).

> similarly, I like the Sepia portrait of the woman’s lower body, because of the technical aspects (challenges) – it was also made with a 20D and a 50/1.4 in available light; it was pulled at about ¼ sec. shutter and Titled “Can I buy you a Drink?” – the bar was so dim the 20D was at ISO3200 and the shot was still underexposed by 1.66 Stops.

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In regard to Antonio’s photo – (post #6) – I find terribly interesting that he mentioned:
“I’ll also leave some of my own images below, purely as an illustration of my personal take on this way of using light.That’s all they are, a contribution to the conversation, fully aware that mastering this type of light is always a major challenge. The quality of the images decreases as we go down the post, which, interestingly and perhaps even because of that, coincides with the quality of the equipment used for the capture.”

I particularly like image one – the cattle moving out of the light, toward the camera and dispersing across the Field of View – it is quite powerful, yet sad, because the cattle are not so healthy.

David’s image from Transparency and Backlight has been skilfully created: the veil as a diffuser of light (either intentional or not) works so well.

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On a technical note – I truly like the aspect and use of Lens Flare.

I have acquired particular Prime Lenses based upon their Iris Blade configuration, simply to satisfy my quirky tastes for Lens Flare. (That is to say: shunning Prime Lenses with an odd number of Iris Blades.)



WW

[C J Southern]

Firstly my apologies for my absence: suffice to say - life just got in the way – I trust that is enough of an explanation.

Hi Bill,

It seems like an eternity since I got to shake your hand and have you sitting in one of my recliner chairs! I've been away from here for around 11 years and popped back in on a whim; it seems, as the same time as several other of the "old gang" - so it's very much feeling like a bit of a reunion!

How have you been?