The importance of light in photography – the visible reminder of invisible light

Light is a key factor in creating a successful photograph

Light determines not only brightness and darkness, but also tone, mood and the atmosphere.

When people ask for tips about photography, I say remember composition, interesting angles and make sure you think about light.

If you understand  learn about light first, about when the light is right, then your photographs will instantly improve.

The best times for me to take photos are at dusk and dawn when the light is at its most powerful.

“The work of creation is never without travail
Light,
Light,
The visible reminder of Invisible Light.
O Light Invisible, we praise Thee!
Too bright for mortal vision.”
From Choruses from The Rock by T.S. Eliot (1934)

Here is a selection of photographs from my travels inspired by light.

Stained Glass reflection in the Mezquita/catedral in Córdoba, Spain.

Shadows through the curtain – at our house in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Neon Lights in Downtown Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Shadows through the curtain – at our house in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Touched by the hand of Allah on a street in Amman, Jordan.

A double rainbow over the Saltsjön in Stockholm, Sweden

Shafts of early morning sunlight streaming through bullet holes in the corrugated-iron roof of Souq al-Hamidiyya in Damascus, Syria.

Blurred Christmas Lights 1

A walk on Jangwani beach at sunrise in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Kigamboni bridge at night, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Sunrise at Shanzu Beach in Mombasa, Kenya

Rainbow over Kigamboni, Dar Es Salaam

Sunrise Horizon 2 on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

Neon Lights in Downtown Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

View from our accommodation, Palm trees at sun rise, Dar Es Salaam

Blurred Christmas Lights 8

Sunrise over Lake Naivasha, Kenya