Tomas Mendoza Photography

Photography from the Greek ‘ph?tós’ (light) and ‘graphi?’ (to write) means ‘to write with light’ So, after Aperture, ISO, Shutter and Exposure Compensation, we finally get to talk about Light.
On our ninth meeting we get to review and critique our ‘Manual Assignment’ and discuss the light texture. Ok, we can’t touch it but light allows us to convey Contour, Mood and Meaning.
Yup, the presence (or absence) or shadows and tones can ensure people will see the world just the way we see it from behind the lens

f5.6, 1/40 sec, ISO 100, 95mm

As mentioned before, Photography is the art of painting with light. Light (whether ambient, flash, strobes, or ‘hot lights’) can be modified, reflected, enhanced or decreased even made harsh or soft. Not just that but flash or strobes can be used to turn day into night or create a sunset at midnight.
On our tenth meeting we get to play with flashes and strobes, umbrellas, reflectors, ‘gobos’ and discuss different features including wireless. Most of the fun comes from bouncing our on-camera flash and balance it with ambient light also known as Key shifting.
We get to discuss and practice Rembrandt lighting, a two-light technique

f4.0, 1/25 sec, ISO 400, 28mm, Window Light reflected of the wall

f4.0, 1/100 sec, ISO 800, 38mm, On-Camera flash with diffuser