Painting with Light

Images © Robert Harris Photography

In the days of film (we still use it at times) an incident light meter was a must to measure light values and ratios especially when mixing strobes with ambient (existing light). (It's the piece of "jewelry" seasoned photographers wear around their neck) A visual confirmation was only available in the mind of the photographer (unless a special Polaroid back was attached to the camera to confirm the vision) before exposing film.

Fast forward to digital and I still use an incident meter in the same way. Visualizing the photograph before exposure is still the best way to create art. The light meter is at the foundation of the process of "painting with light" and how it will affect the subject. (not the screen on the back of the camera; which serves as a confirmation of a picture, but nothing else) The core of the process of visualization helps to engage the mind and "see" the image before an exposure is made.

This process usually goes unnoticed by our subjects as Wanda is usually the "test" to confirm the vision before we place our true subject in the scene. With lighting and composition in place, we are able to give our complete attention to our subject which enables us to bring out the most important element of the photograph; the individuals personality.