*This year I am participating personal project with a group of amazing photographers. We created a blog circle where we challenge ourselves creatively and technically throughout 2018. Life From This Lens is a fascinating look at how a group of photographers around the country interpret the same prompt (or theme) each month. Please follow along in the circle and see everyone’s take on the theme each month*

I knew I was being a bit ambitious when I started the year with TWO personal projects. Sadly to say, even thought it is only February, one of them has already bitten the dust. BUT – this one has survived…and I know that having the accountability to show up to the blog circle every month is part of the reason why. So….onto this month’s prompt!

February was learning about and shooting in HARD LIGHT. Also known as “harsh light”, hard light is basically any type of light that has bright brights and deep shadows. This can be noon day sun, direct sunlight streaming into your windows or even direct artificial light (think flashlights, street lights, etc). The challenge in working with this type of light is that it creates such an extreme dynamic range of lights and darks. You have to be careful not to blow your highlights or shadows. When shooting in mid-day sun you have to be hyper aware of the shadows and where they are falling on your subject, otherwise they will get those yucky under-eye circles that are NOT known to be flattering.

I have to admit – this is my least favorite type of light. I find it super challenging and I am SO glad that we are done with it for the year. Now, does that mean that I will never shoot in it again? Heck no! I have kids – and they are usually playing in the middle of the day, especially during the summer. Just like last months challenge, I am definitely more comfortable shooting in hard light after a months worth of practice. But, I still prefer softer types of light like filtered sun, light box cloudy days and that every beautiful golden hour light.

Next up in the blog circle is Alicia – make sure to follow the link to her blog and see how she captured hard light.