Photo Assignment 2: Three types of light

Direct Light: The light source here is the sun. The photos was take around noon.

Fluorescent lights in bathroom

Diffuse Light: The sun behind the clouds

Introduction:Stepping into this project, I thought taking these pictures would be a piece of cake — stand, pose, snap. But when I started, I realized how much more there was. Each photograph had some unique challenge attached to it that forced me to practice patience, imagination, and flexibility. From battling blinding sun to dealing with clunky indoor lighting and trying to capture action shots perfectly timed, every photo was a learning experience about the process — and about myself.

Photo 1 – Direct Sunlight (Drew Conto):This shot of SMU sophomore Drew Conto turned out to be much more challenging to photograph than I had expected. The sun was directly overhead, throwing hard shadows and bright spots that rendered most of the early shots useless. I kept sliding him back and forth, squinting, and trying to find a position that did not feel contrived or awkward. Even after I finally did find the correct position, keeping a relaxed face with the sun in his eyes was no easy task. It was a reminder that sometimes the most simple settings have the most tedious needs .

Photo 2 – Fluorescent Light (Jake Cohen):Working indoors with SMU sophomore Jake Cohen brought its own whole different set of difficulties. The fluorescent lighting of the bathroom was harsh and unflattering, and it made the colors look off in almost every photo. Moreover, I felt awkward trying to make the photo look natural when passersby walked by and the mirror picked everything up at weird angles. I had to take so much more than I had expected to capture just one that wasn't rigid or posed. It taught me how much the little things — like setting and lighting — can completely change the outcome of a shot.

Photo 3 – Diffuse Light (Jake Cohen):I thought that the outdoor picture of Jake would be the simplest, but it ended up being one of the most frustrating. The overcast sky kept changing, shifting the light from bright to dull between takes. And attempting to spin a basketball on the tip of his finger while remaining motionless for the camera was a failure at first — the ball fell repeatedly, and most of the initial photos were unfocused. It took considerable patience, trial and error, and giggles before I was eventually able to get the shot I desired.

Conclusion:Looking back on these images, they illustrated to me that sometimes taking one's time is not as simple as it seems. All of them were done with effort, imagination, and a willingness to fail many times over before I got it exactly where I wanted it. What started out as a simple assignment turned into an actual lesson in patience — and a reminder that there are countless attempts behind every good picture.