Light is the single most important evaluation that a photographer must do to create an effective image. Each day my wife and I evaluate the light, determining the amount of moisture (white light) that the day gives us. Is the light negative or positive? A photographer must establish that critical line of light which the film in the camera captures. I am a color photographer. I think of photography via the spectrum quality of a rainbow. Each nuance of moisture mutes that spectrum, till, at the end it is dark. Is it 40% white light, 60%? Each level of moisture in the air creates new opportunities for the observant image maker. A low white light day creates strong color, strong lines and contrast unobstructed. A high white light day creates soft pastels with subtle hues. Why do some photographers choose that dividing line in the evening, when that light reaches that critical flash point? Is it because that is the defining moment of a light change, from positive to negative? Does the accurate evaluation reflect the image makers understanding of their craft? That of determining the quality of light, which in the end result, is the photographers most important evaluation. The most competent of photographers understand light well. Interpret the masters pictures and you will see, the image makers understanding of light nuances. The light will play the role as chosen by the master, as it helps him to tell his story. The master painters used pigments and strokes to create their astonishing works. The photographic masters use light.
Bok Tower in Florida, taken with an R-7 and Agfachrome RSX100 just prior to a storm.
Understanding this, leads one to the camera that accurately captures the moment of time using film. Lens creators have become very sophisticated in creating glass that allows for all color spectrum bands to reach the film plane in relatively similar power. In addition, the lens makers concern themselves with light flare, dispersion of light evenly, resolution, clarity and focus to the film plane. Today this process is aided by computers which allows for some very fine lens for photographers, not available some years ago. Like a hi-fi, the quality of the glass results in a range of lens costs. Some, like me want to insure that the quality of the lens is at the highest, which will produce the image that I desire. It must provide the real image for me, so as to reproduce the subject that I have taken so much time to be in the way of. So I do concern myself with light band transmission, focus plane and resolution. For this reason, I am a Leica photographer. Yet the level that most lens makers create their glass today is very little different to the most valuable glass made. The nuances are subtle, usually in the red band. If you have a predictable camera and glass from Sigma, Tamron or Vivitar, you are in very good position to match 99.9% of images created by the masters. Most aspiring photographers and many professionals diminish the lens makers work substantially, by placing a piece of flat glass on the front of their lens which results in bending the colors bands, changing the focus point and increases the incident of flair. Those front elements of glass in the lens that you paid for so dearly are not curved for beauty. The reason given by most equipment sellers for the filter, is that it protects the lens. Meanwhile each image taken is of lesser quality then the lens maker gave to the owner when they purchased their lens. Filters are a substitute for lens, to provide a very specialized function. I, personally never use a filter of any type. Take them off until you know how to use them and for what purpose. The camera body has but one function, that is to allow you to choose with predictability, the image that you want to create. Accurate camera speeds combined with the versatility to provide options which helps the photographer predict what image the maker has determined This is any camera body manufacturers goal. A good photographer does not fantasize what is in the viewer, but has the objectivity to see the whole image as it really is, telephone wires etc. The next discussion will surround a most highly contested subject. Film choices!
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