Listen to the automated audio version of this article:
In this week's YouTube video, I walked the streets of London for some Street Photography in harsh light conditions.
Oftentimes, photographers say that the best time for Photography is during the so-called Golden Hour (right after sunrise and before sunset) or Blue Hour (the dim light before sunrise and after sunset). While these bring plenty of good-quality light, they are not necessarily the ONLY times to go out and take photos. Particularly with Street Photography.
So, in my latest video, I attached my GoPro to my chest and went around Central London (Piccadilly, Soho, Oxford Street, Covent Garden…) to show you how I take advantage of harsh light. And that there is nothing to be afraid of with photography in harsh light conditions. I know photographers, like Alan Schaller, that almost exclusively shoot with harsh light. His photos are staged, but the conditions are the same.
Myself, I really like it because it fits my style of bold shadows and hard contrasts. Not to mention the tones of the warmer light. You've seen my Instagram, right? ;)
And this was actually the hottest day of the year, right after lunch, so there's no harsher than this! LOL.
But I'm half Italian, and I don't mind a bit of warm sunshine.
I hope this can inspire you to take your camera out more often.
By the way, I now offer a Lunch Break Mini Workshop, which could be the perfect chance to test this out with my guidance. If you're in London and are interested in taking the workshop, consider booking me. Pre-dinner is also available, as are other workshops.
The Video
Here it is. I wish it would always be so easy to shoot a good one for a YouTube video thumbnail… Another advantage of doing photography in harsh light! :)
Here's the link, in case the embed doesn't work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXSYmpCFSxk. Also, part two has been published, and during my tests of the GFX50S for Street, I had these same conditions again.
Now put the sunscreen on, go out and take photos!