Understanding The Light on Our Photography Expeditions

Tame The Light God

Outdoor Flash Photography demonstrated by Capt Suresh Sharma on our photography expeditions in Ladakh.

Usual questions from the budding photographers who seem to be in a rush in the modern world and think everything is possible ‘online’ today and all issues can be resolved by Google Uncle: where to learn photography, how can one learn flash photography, hundreds of questions about post processing, how to process with PhotoShop. Here we are going to say that first one must try to understand about ‘light’ which is termed as ‘exposure’ in terms of photography. So, first thing first and that is ‘LIGHT’. And for photographers it comes in two forms – ambient/ natural light and artificial or say light created with ‘flash’ while shooting outdoors and indoors.

PHOTO which means LIGHT are one and the same thing.The word Light comes from the Greek, phose a subjective visual sensation (as of light or color), photo. We think the word PHOTO means PICTURE. We have completely forgotten the LIGHT without which there can be no picture. We must remember that PHOTO means LIGHT.  “Photo” stands for “light” and its suffix “graphy” is for “writing.” Photography means writing with Light!

So, understanding the light in terms of photography is how to manage exposure, the most critical thing in photography. The biggest mistake the modern generation does is jump to digital tricks and bypass the understanding of the light fully. Once one has got fairly good understanding about light and composition then one can learn how to manage digital tricks, which is also part of photography but comes at later stage.

Once one has understood the exposure then next come to learn how to exploit light as creative element in photography. And light used by a skillful photographer can turn a simple subject into extraordinary photo. Actually, its the amalgamation of light with texture, colour, shape and contours of the subject which makes a photograph worth admiring as piece of art.

Next level of understanding the light is to exploit ambient light and flash photography together. But then one has to learn the technicalities of flash photography and various kind of equipment for flash photography; it all depends on what kind of subject has to be photographed i.e. macro, wildlife, food, portrait, action, sports, industrial, etc. Flash equipment and the light modifiers can be from very simple to complex. Almost all camera companies make portable flashes which aren’t that powerful to be used outdoors during the day light.

Flash photography intimidates most photographers thinking its too complex to be understood by the amateur photographers and is meant for professional photographers only. One needs to just take a step forward and then it paves a road to art photography and it’s very rewarding and satisfying after understanding the light. But one has to move beyond the term “fill in flash”!

There are very reputed companies who have been manufacturing flash photography equipment for decades now and also some new ones have jumped into the foray, as the demand for the equipment of flash photography is increasing with every passing day; social media has fueled the fire more.

Flash photography has opened a great horizon for table top product photography, flowers, smaller animals, etc. Most of the outdoor flash photography is exploited at dawn and dusk to create beautiful artistic photos.

We also organise curated photo tours/ photography expeditions, rendering the best logistical support photographers need in remote areas for travel photography and astrophotography.

Please click on the link here to know more …

Spider on a rose flower, photographed indoors in a studio under Elinchrom strobes, by Capt Suresh Sharma

Also, flash photography is a blessing for those who are busy the whole week at work and get back home late at night. And can’t afford to spare time for photography during the day, can set up a small studio at home to pursue table top photography for products, portraits, jewelry, glass, droplets, flowers, insects, etc.

Capt Suresh Sharma, our founder and Team Leader operations, who escorts almost all expeditions, will demonstrate how light can be TAMED  and that’s he always advocates “TAME THE LIGHT GOD” on our curated and escorted photo tours/ photography expeditions, best in India, one of it’s kind.

If anyone is keen to consult Capt Suresh Sharma for ‘tips and tricks’ of flash photography, please contact him.

Rajasthani Old Man camel trader at Pushkar, photography by Capt Suresh Sharma with flash Elinchrom Quadra ranger.

Flash Photography with Elinchrom Quadra Ranger on our curated and escorted photo tours. We offer the best photography expeditions in India, hosted with best caravan and motorhome.

Portrait flash photography with Elinchrom Quadra Ranger in rural Rajasthan, India. Logistical support by Taurus – India’s best RV (recreational vehicle).

Camel Traders at Dusk – photographed by Capt Suresh Sharma to demonstrate about Flash Photography with Elinchrom Quadra Ranger, during the curated photo tour of Pushkar, Rajasthan (India).

Flash Photography during our curated Photo Tours by Capt Suresh Sharma, hosted with logistics from Taurus – India’s best RV (recreational vehicle and caravan, campervan. Camel traders cooking food at Pushkar, Rajasthan, India.

Sikh Soldiers of the Indian Army photographed while performing holly dip.

Flash Photography shot by Capt Suresh Sharma during the curated photo tours of Kilaraipur famous for rural games in Punjab.

Nihang Sikh Warrior photographed (by Capt Suresh Sharma) with Elinchrom Quadra Ranger at Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahab, Punjab India.

Nihang Sikh Warriors photography with Elinchrom Quadra Ranger (by Capt Suresh Sharma) at Hola Mohalla, Anandpur Sahab, India

Best curated photo tour of Hola Mohalla, escorted by Capt Suresh Sharma, hosted by TAURUS the best overland truck as mobile camp and caravan campervan.

Taurus photographed during “TAME THE LIGHT GOD’ photography workshop to explain the role of light, especially flash photography.

Taurus photographed by Capt Suresh Sharma, on our ‘night photography’ workshop and photo tour in Ladakh.

MiG21 was photographed by Capt Suresh Sharma for the first ever coffee table book on this great fighter aircraft, a legend! Its one of the best flash photography photos to enhance the beauty with this captivating photograph.

Praying Mantis clicked with flash by Capt Suresh Sharma

Steppe Eagle photographed with flash by Capt Suresh Sharma

Flash photography at dusk can dramatize any simple subject into a photo worth admiring

Rajasthani folk singers photographed by Capt Suresh Sharma while using flash at Pushkar Cattle Fair, the best photo tour of Rajasthan with logistical support from Taurus.