Natural Light, Shadows and Reflections in Photography

 The University Settlement

Natural Light, Shadows and Reflections in Photography

This 8-week course will explore the use of natural light, shadows and reflections as essential compositional elements in photography. Slide presentations will be used for reference and inspiration. Some historical and contemporary photographers that will be discussed include Eugéne Atget, Lee Friedlander, Adré Kertész, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andrzej Lachowicz, Jessica Todd Harper, Mikiko Hara, and Tierney Gearon.  In addition to slide presentations, guest speakers and gallery visits will serve to further inspire student work. 

Students will be asked to photograph on their own outside of class and present work in class for a group critique. It is suggested that students photograph in the early morning or late afternoon to make use of peak hours for beautiful natural light and dramatic shadows. Students may photograph any subject matter they choose, as long as natural light, shadows, or reflections are incorporated into the composition.

Note: Students may photograph in digital or analog. Students must either print work and bring it to class, or bring a CD of digital files to the class to be projected (recommended: 8x10 inches at 300 dpi). Students should have 7-10 images to share each week. Class is open to all levels.

Lesson Plans

Class #1 – September 7

1. Introduction to the course, student and instructor introductions. (10 minutes)

2. Slide presentation of early photographers working with natural light, shadow, and reflection. Focus on natural light. (20 minutes)

3. Review technical elements of student cameras, materials they plan to use, and technique. Instructor handout of recommended places to print work and purchase photographic materials. (15 minutes)

4. Practice shoot outside, focusing on natural light, with guidance from instructor. (1 hour)

5. Return to classroom for questions and comments. Brainstorm subject matter students would like to photograph over the week using natural light. (15 minutes)

Class #2 - September 14

1. Students present work for group critique on natural light. (1 hour, 15 min)

2. Slide presentation. (30 min)

3. Group discussion and brainstorming for the upcoming week’s project. (15 min)

Class #3 - September 21

1. Students present work for group critique on shadow. (1 hour, 15 min)

2. Slide presentation on photographers using reflection. (30 min)

3. Group discussion and brainstorming for the upcoming week’s project. (15 min)

Class #4 - September 28

1. Students present work for group critique on reflection. (1 hour, 15 min)

2. Slide presentation on all three topics (15 min)

3. Students select topic from the previous 3 weeks for final project. (30 min)

Class #5 - October 5

1. Students share progress towards final project. (2 hours)

Class #6 – October 12

1. Students share progress towards final project. (2 hours)

Class #7 - October 19

1. Students share progress towards final project. (2 hours) 

Class #8 - October 26

1. Final Presentation and critique (2 hours)