{by kristie}
The other night, Will (my son), and I decided to run around in the front yard to waste some time before bed. While playing, I decided to step back from the scene I was shooting, to show you the streak of light that I was shooting within. It’s a question in my Camera Love class that often gets asked: How do I know what to look for when I’m “trying to find the light?” Knowing that “great light” is the main ingredient in a “great photo” is only half the battle. The other half – knowing what you are looking for.

So, as you see below, there is not one amazing thing about this location. It’s the sad grass in our front yard.
(Honestly, I’m a little embarrassed to show this, but going for it anyway, for the sake of learning ;) We’re in the middle of a gut-rehab and the yard is phase #2 happening next year).

Boring location. Except the little streak of light. That little bit of sun peeking through the trees works every time.

Here are the photos of Will sitting in that light. Zero Photoshop work was done to the color of these. It’s just the sun and the camera getting along.

AND OF COURSE, knowing how to operate your camera in Manual Mode to tell it what to do.

Want to learn how to do this in your own front yard at bedtime? Are you tired of getting sub-par results from that DSLR you bought to capture your kids? Come join me at our next photography workshop and get your camera OFF of Auto Mode. Our next Camera Love Class is on Sunday August 25 from 1-5pm.

More details, and signup info here: www.cameraloveclass.com

P.S. Yes, Will is sitting in the front yard in mismatched PJs and shoes with no socks. I was not planning to do a camera lesson. It just happened. But, this is real life. And it’s what I want him to remember.