The Light Wasn't Going to Wait

It was morning, and the light was already hard.

Not the sort of light photographers normally get excited about. Strong eastern sun, deep shadows and highlights that could disappear very quickly.

You could look at it and wish you'd been there earlier.

Or you could make a photograph.

I stayed.

The woman was preparing a ceremonial blessing. I watched her hands, her face and the small movements that were part of something she'd probably done countless times before.

Nothing was being performed for me.

I was simply there to observe it.

And that's when I noticed the boys.

They were sitting below her, dressed in white, with the sunlight falling directly onto them.

Their clothing was bouncing just enough light back towards her face to lift some of the shadow.

A reflector I hadn't brought and certainly hadn't planned.

It was simply part of the scene.

So I worked with it.

That's one of the things photography has taught me over the years.

We spend a lot of time trying to control light. We carry reflectors, flashes, diffusers and all sorts of things designed to change what's in front of us.

Sometimes that's exactly what the job requires.

But sometimes the better answer is to stop thinking about what you haven't got and look more carefully at what's already there.

The light was hard.

The ceremony wasn't going to stop while I fixed it.

Nor should it.

My job was to observe, find my frame and make the photograph without becoming part of what was happening.

So that's what I did.

Pete George

See with Purpose. Share with Heart.

About the photograph

Sanur, Bali
Sony A7 II · 24–70mm f/4 at 70mm
f/4 · 1/1000 sec · ISO 100