Chasing Light in Old Halls

In the quiet corners of an old, mostly forgotten building, magic happens as natural light dances through dusty windows. Here, my friend’s 16 year old daughter, fairly new to modeling, becomes the subject of an impromptu photoshoot. Dressed nicely, her youthful features are illuminated by the fleeting rays of window light, our only light source.

Using a Canon 60D, with its somewhat limited ISO and paired with a professional level 70-200mm lens, we search for the light. This process is both exciting and challenging; each step reveals new light and shadow possibilities. The key here is not just capturing her image but understanding how light interacts with the environment, using each beam to highlight her natural grace.

Despite my nearly 10 years of hobby and commercial photography experience, this session felt very exploratory. Only a few shots out of many were selected, showcasing the need for patience and teamwork when dealing with natural light. The building’s poor lighting conditions made it both a challenge and a lesson in the value of patience and the art of making the most out of limited resources.

One important lesson learned was the importance of adaptability in photography. When you’re constrained by natural light, you learn to adjust your shooting techniques, like changing the angle, waiting for the right moment, or even more often the need to move your subject to where the light is best. This session not only highlighted technical skills but also underscored the creative aspect of photography—where finding and using light creatively is as crucial as the subject itself. It’s a reminder that even amateur photographers can produce compelling work by adapting to the environment and embracing the limitations as part of the creative process.