How space changes with light

15th August 2014

"Take one or 2 locations where you can conveniently return a number of times in different lighting and photograph on each occasion." 

"In photograph 1 set the camera up in exactly the same position each time. In the second, see how different lighting conditions suggest different viewpoints and compositions." Course material

For this exercise I set the camera up mounted on a tripod at the entrance to the conservatory and marked the floor with tape in case anyone brushed against it altering its position. I took a series of photographs throughout the day, making observations of the images at the end.

This was possibly not the best room to choose, although when I sat in the Orangery for my assignment shoot, I was glad I understood where the shadows would fall and how it may look on camera.

Weather sunny spells and overcast, sun rises at patio doors and sets above convector heater.

8am

Can define shadows.
Already overexposed at camera's meter readings.
See through windows so light fairly even inside
Shadow details in corners
Furniture looks a little underexposed

9am

As above but furniture and floor looks brighter.
More shadows present e.g under chair

10am

Foreground in deeper shadow.
Furniture looks darker.
Makes room feel more closed in.
Floor is quite bright and in danger of burnout

11am

Brighter outside.
No real difference inside

12pm

Colours and shadows starting to change.
Room looks larger.
Patches of burnout on floor
More contrast

1pm

Colours back to dull (cloudy)
Lighting more even
Dark shadows under chairs

2pm

Deep contrast
Patchy, long shadows
Reflection in window

4pm

Direction of shadows altered.
Still deep shadows.
Overexposed white areas

5pm

Overcast
Reflection in window
No real contrast in shadow detail

8am and 9am best shot

Sidelighting from the left of the image gave the best effect to this room.

At 10am and 11am, nothing looked good - too much reflection or visibility through windows in all directions so focus was taken from the room. Needed a closer shot of a feature or chair.

12pm

Sidelighting on the other side of the room looked best, although there is too much reflection in the window

2pm

As above

4pm

Little deep shadow detail
Some light shadows present
Colour contrast shows up