I have a secret… I’m obsessed with light! I know, I know… that doesn’t sound like that big of a deal, but I sometimes drive Ryan nuts with my need for light. When I’m home, I NEED lights on. It may not have any effect on the actually brightness of the room, but I need to squeeze every bit of light I can into the space I’m in. If there’s windows – you can bet those curtains are thrown open and all that gorgeous natural light is gleefully encouraged to pour in!

One of the first things I told our contractor when we started discussing the plans for rebuilding our houses was that I needed light… lots of it! If it seems like more windows than the average person would want – you’re probably getting close to what I would love! 😉 Okay so maybe I exaggerate a bit. But honestly not by much.

I’ve discovered this obsession with light has poured over into my job. While many photographers love their flash and strobes and other external light sources, I crave my natural light! I thrive with it! It’s what feels most natural and real and genuine to me. I love the soft tones, the warm hues, the sometimes ethereal feel you can get from late afternoon sunlight. There’s just something about it that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, that conveys they feelings, idea, and story I’m trying to convey about the person or persons I’m shooting.

And yet… I admire the work of a lot of photographers who use flash and other light sources. I love the color pop and dramatic lighting they can achieve with the extra light. I have gone to school for photography so I do know how to do it… and every once in a while I decide I’m going to play around with lights while I’m shooting a session. I usually take maybe two pictures with it before I find my self switching back to my natural lighting ways.

It’s funny but I feel like a poser, like I’m trying to be someone else when I try to shoot with another light source. I’m not even trying to recreate someone else’s work or mimic anyone’s technique. I just feel like I’m not being true to myself…. Probably the way a vegetarian would feel if they decided to have a bite or two of a burger because their friend’s meal looked so yummy.  It seems like a fun and good idea at first, but it doesn’t take you too long to realize it’s just not your thing. 😉

And because every post is better with a picture… here’s a handsome duck I caught preening himself a while ago. 🙂

Well I hope you’re all having a wonderful Monday! I’ll see you back here on Wednesday with more bloggy goodness 😉

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