Light In The Lens

“Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography”
George Eastman

There are many facets of photography that combine to enable the photographer to take a successful photograph. Some are more important than others. But one aspect is absolutely essential, for without light, photography itself would not exist. Light is the foundation of every photograph ever taken. It gives shape, texture and colour to our images. It allows us to create a certain mood or atmosphere and determines how the shot will look, and the message that it will convey.

Many photographers spend hours chasing the light, in search of the perfect conditions that will allow them to capture not only a snapshot but a powerful and evocative image. They often swear by the so-called “golden hour” as the time of day with the best lighting. Referring to the first hour of light after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset, the golden hour is when the sun is low in the sky, producing a soft, diffused light. Portraits, landscapes and still life benefit in particular from this special light.

Whatever the scene that you wish to capture through your view finder, without the right light you will have difficulty producing an image that is inspiring, dramatic and above all impactful.
The images that feature in this exhibition all explore the effect that light can have on the outcomes of photographic pursuits. Some examine the interplay of light and shadow, others the use of highlights, contrast and saturation. Some experiment with long exposure in order to paint with light. What all these photographs have in common is the way in which the light has transformed each image into something dramatic and special.

“I am forever chasing light. Light turns the ordinary into the magical” Trent Parke

Participating Photographers

Vincenzo Albano, Eleanor Bennett, Diana Bodnarenco, Chris Dorney, Ajithaa Edirimane, Sanjiban Ghosh, Michael Handrick, Robin Lowry, John Massey, Richard Mills, Ayan Mukherjee, Martin Parratt, Iain Rodgers, Sagar Shiriskar, Adee Tallents, Maurice Wilson, Hao Wu & Dovile Zubyte.