Results and Feedback for the "Leading Light" Weekly Photography Assignment

[keithsnell]

Thank you to everyone that participated in the "Leading Light" assignment.  I know it was a challenge for some of us to find "leading light" in a week of dreary weather, but I really enjoyed seeing the images you submitted.  As a reminder, the guidelines for this assignment were to compose an image using "light" to draw the viewer into and through your scene.

Congratulations to Tanya Mackenzie whose Morning Spotlight image won the vote for People's Choice.  This was a beautiful example of "leading light" by Tanya.  The early morning rays of light led the viewer to the tree in the foreground, which was spotlighted by the sun.  I was especially impressed that the rays of light ended in the vicinity of the tree  and didn't continue on to the edge of the frame, which might have led the viewer right past the tree and out of the frame.  I've awarded this image Editor's Choice for Technical Merit because it best exemplifies the concept of "leading light."  Congratulations Tanya for seeing and capturing the beautiful light in this scene.

Morning Spotlight
People's Choice and Editor's Choice for Technical Merit
Photographed by Tanya Mackenzie

I've awarded Editor's Choice for Artistic Merit to Becky Jenner's After the Rain image.  This beautiful and captivating image was the one that "drew me in" the most, and made me want to explore the scene.  The lush detail along the road helped me imagine that I was walking along the road, breathing the cool damp air and the rich scent of fallen leaves.  The lighter areas on the distant view of the road draw me deep into the scene, and invite me to explore that area in further detail.  There is so much detail in this scene that I think the image would have been more captivating if it had been displayed a bit larger.  (800 pixels wide is usually the "optimum" size for assignment images, since that allows the entire image to be viewed on a "normal" computer monitor.  Uploading larger images than 800 pixels will result in many viewers having to "scroll" to see the entire image, which can destroy the effect of a powerful composition.)  Thank you Becky for sharing this beautiful image, I enjoyed imagining that I was exploring this intriguing scene.

After the Rain
Editor's Choice for Artistic Merit
Photographed by Becky Jenner

Lars' Cueing Leading Light image deserves an Honorable Mention.  This image was another good example of how light can be used to "draw the viewer in" and add depth to an image.  I think Lars did a great job capturing the atmosphere in this cozy little venue.

Cueing leading light
Honorable Mention
Photographed by Lars

Thank you to everyone that participated in the "Leading Light" assignment.  I hope that actively looking for "leading light" helped you become more aware of the light in your scene, and that this exercise helped strengthen your skill at using light to influence the viewer's perception of your subject.

Keith

[Becky Jenner]

Thanks for the kind words Kieth! This trail leads to what we call "the landing" and it extends deeper into the woods towards the quarry.Other old logging roads are intertwined and break off in different directions with this road and the guys keep them open for hunting,4-wheelers & horse riding use.When we need a small "getaway" from the kids that's generally where we go explore.... And I will from now on go with 800 pixels or decrese until no-one has to scroll the pic! Thanks for the advice!

[keithsnell]

Hi Becky,

I enjoyed hearing more about the area.

Actually, your image wasn't too big (it is only 600 pixels wide).  I was commenting that it could have been a little bigger in order to see more of the detail; however, I probably confused the issue by adding a caveat that images shouldn't be too much larger than 800 pixels on the longest side (otherwise people would have to "scroll" the image).  Not a problem really, it was just a convenient opportunity to advise people on the "optimum" size for the assignment pics.

Keith

[TanyaMac]

I'm surprised but thank you for choosing my picture. Sunrise is such a quiet and peaceful time to take pictures.  I just wish I could get out early more often.

And, I'll reduce my images to the optimal viewing size moving forward.

Tanya