How to Capture Pockets of Light in Urban Photography

Photography Tips  •  Smartphone Photography  •  Street Photography

Professional photographer from Clifford Pickett from Urban iPhone Photography, recently shared his insightful approach to capturing light’s fascinating nuances in an urban environment. His tutorial delves into the intriguing concept of ‘pockets of light’ and elucidates how they can be used to create compelling, dramatic results in photography:

The core essence of Pickett’s technique lies in identifying pockets of light – areas where sunlight sneaks in between buildings creating stark contrasts with the shadows. These pools of light are visually appealing in themselves; however, Pickett encourages photographers to be patient and wait for a subject to step into this light, resulting in exceptionally dramatic imagery. The juxtaposition of light and dark, highlighted by a human subject, introduces a captivating narrative element to the photographs.

Removing Color to Emphasize Tones

In order to better appreciate and capture these pockets of light, Pickett suggests switching to black and white. This removal of color leaves photographers dealing with tones, shadows, highlights, and the scene’s graphic element. By focusing on these components, photographers can highlight the contrast between the illuminated areas and the shadows, making the pockets of light stand out even more.

Playing with Exposure and Position

Pickett further explains how darkening the exposure can enhance the effect. By turning whatever detail is in shadow to black, the subject inside the pocket of light becomes even more pronounced. Combining this with a lower position allows photographers to capture extended shadows and frame their subjects as silhouettes against the light. The lowered perspective can add depth to the shot, and the elongated shadows cast by the subjects bring an extra layer of visual interest to the images.

The Importance of Timing

The “decisive moment,” a concept made famous by the legendary street photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, has a crucial role in Pickett’s technique. The waiting game for the perfect subject to enter the pocket of light can be challenging but it’s undeniably rewarding. Utilizing burst mode, photographers can capture the subject just as they enter the light, initially as a rim-lit silhouette against a dark background and then fully lit within the pool of light.

The Ideal Conditions

Late afternoons, right before sunset, are the perfect time for these types of images, according to Pickett. This period, known as the “golden hour,” when the sun is lower in the sky, provides the ideal lighting conditions for dramatic but clean compositions. The long shadows and stark contrasts between light and dark in urban environments add an intriguing aesthetic to the photographs.

By focusing on these pools of light in the urban landscape, playing with exposure and angles, and mastering the art of timing, you can create uniquely compelling narratives through their work.

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