A PNW Mood

PHOTO CHALLENGE | Look for scenes with strong subjects, dramatic lighting, lots of texture or shapes, and edit your photos to the classic B&W during the month of January.

Low light is the obvious choice for a moody photo, but it doesn’t have to be. A good moody opportunity can also come from (mostly) directional light that offers a sharp contrast to the rest of the scene, whether bright or low light, you can use either one. All of my examples will come from medium to low light as that is what was on hand, but I did use some variety, using indoor and outdoor natural light. In short, lean into the season, use the light we have and let’s learn how to use it to make beautiful photos.

While using a prime lens is my favorite choice for indoor natural light and detail shots outside, you can use a zoom lens while shooting outdoors. The compression you get from telephoto lenses can be beautiful and make for dynamic and interesting photographs. Depending on the light you have available, don’t be afraid to use your ISO or shoot in midday on these intensely overcast and gray days. Of course, a long exposure with ambient light is an excellent idea for getting a good moody atmospheric vibe.

When shooting with directional light, the priority is to expose for the highlights. The way to get the best mood and to create that sense of atmosphere is to ensure your brightest spot is where the viewers eye is lead to. If you use a candle, lamp, or background window light, ensure that you’re using it for ambiance, not to balance the shadows. Let the shadows do their job, make the viewer look around and through the photo to find all the details and see what’s really there. Shadows create mystery, not all of the photo should be lit. It’s a mood.

• How are you using light to shape your subject?

• What kind of background are you using?

• How are you setting up your shot (or posing)?