In a busy, time-oriented world we too often do not allow ourselves to schedule time for photography at the best light of day. We can be "too busy" to wait for the right light to appear on a scene we are concentrating on. As a matter of fact, with any additional thought, I could think of a dozen reasons why most people fail to see the light for what it is to photography. It's not their fault; that's the way our world is structured these days.

However, I can think of people who do not allow the hustle and bustle of life to cloud their creative eye. They continually find beauty in the natural world throughout their days. I have learned from their example. I always try to see the world for what it is; amazing and constantly changing. I don't intensely try to concentrate in all that exists around me when outside, it just happens naturally now. I don't always look up; I don't always look down. I look in all directions and try to let myself exist within the environment. I find I can see the light better if I am a part of the landscape.

Obviously, learning how to manipulate light is a primary lesson as a photographer. I believe learning to allow the natural world to manipulate light onto my film is the lesson that takes a photographer to the next level of success and enjoyment of his/her surroundings. By seeing the light, one can understand this principal much better than others who don't.

It wasn't until I understood how to balance the natural world with the human world, did I understand the value and omnipotence of light. By learning to appreciate the natural world, or what is left of it, you too can see (naturally and photographically) in a different and more brilliant way. By learning to see the natural world in your own backyard you will learn to appreciate it more. By allowing the obligations and responsibilities of everyday life to limit your vision, balance doesn't exist.

Try this little tool that helped me. Next time you take a hike in the woods, play a round of golf, or just watch your child play baseball or soccer, let your eyes concentrate only on the shades of color, their patterns, the shadows, and the textures. Don't let your eyes see the actual things (or their "outlines") in the scene. Again, just focus on colors, patterns, shadows, and textures. You may need to purposely "blur" your vision, or change your focus. Don't worry, you won't go cross-eyed.

You'll find that it isn't that difficult and you will also start to notice things around you that went by unnoticed before. I can assure you, this will enhance your ability to see and create images. You'll notice a difference in your life and in your images!