The Fringe of Light

One of the joys of being a nature photographer is simply to be there, on location to bear witness to the transition of light. To stand in nature’s wild maze and watch the light slowly creep over the land, and watch it fade as quietly as it came. While all forms of light bring photographic opportunity, some of the best come on the fringes of the day.

5DMII, 17-40L @ 22mm; 2 minutes@ f 11

Those that stay past sunset for what I have always called “The Glow” (see Ian’s wonderful “Prophet’s Call“, part of his 12 best of 2011) are often rewarded by some the most subtle and interesting light of the day. Shades and hues absent during the full bore of the suns gaze now manage to find their way to the camera sensor. SUBTLE is the key word when shooting on the fringes of the day.

I find that “evening glow” to be moderately superior to “morning glow”. That judgement is totally subjective and based on the fact that the sunlight is receding as opposed to advancing. I also find working light-to-dark to be easier than dark-to-light. This is most likely due to more particulate matter in the atmosphere at sunset than at sunrise (Mie scattering).

The Oracle was taken when nightfall had descended to the point where it was difficult to see at all. LiveView had ceased working some 20 minutes earlier. Focusing was accomplished through experience (otherwise known as guestimating). I had taken my wife and her brother along on this particular shoot to Saguaro National Park, and, hungry for dinner, they began honking the car horn during this exposure. I also had to nudge a little baby rattler off the trail with my tripod on the way back down the trail.

When high pressure dominates, the glow is often one your best photo ops of the day. All light is fair game, and I don’t think it matters if I can actually see it. IMO, all the best images are on the fringes of something or other.

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About George Stocking (17 Posts)

George Stocking is a professional freelance photographer, residing in Phoenix, AZ. He works regularly as a contract photographer for Arizona Highways, and his work often graces the pages of Arizona Highways Magazine, Calendars and Books. In addition to capturing the natural beauty of the Arizona Landscape, George also photographs the western United States and Canada. His work has appeared in numerous national publications, such as: Backpacker, Outdoor Photographer, USGA Golf Journal, Country Magazine, Audubon Calendars, Adventure West, America West Airlines Magazine, Portal Publications (posters), Impact, Towery Publications (books) and Smith Southwestern. Other publications include: Oregon Outside, Arizona Foothills, Arizona Adventure, and Plateau Magazine