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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Sixty Nine: How to make expressive photographs in “bad” light > Study, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, 2009
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29-APR-2009

Study, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, 2009

Once again, I forsake the harsh mid-morning light on the streets of Phoenix for the soft, indirect light of a campus coffee shop. While having refreshments, I used light from a distant window to illuminate the polished toes of a studying student. Using a medium telephoto focal length of about 150mm, I was able to define the tiny red toenails that give the image – and the subject – a sense of character. I include part of a softly focused laptop and some papers in the background for context. How we hold our feet can be as expressive as how we use our hands. The position of these feet, one tucked upon another, express a sense of comfort, relaxation, and informality.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
1/80s f/5.2 at 147.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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Phil Douglis05-May-2009 16:23
Thanks Alina and Cyndy, for coming to this image. It was one of my favorite shots of the day, mainly because of how I was able to make use of the soft window light and the deep shadows to suggest rest and quiet. And yes, the shadows simplify, abstract, and invite the viewer's imagination to enter the image and enjoy it from within. Meanwhile, just outside that very window that is bringing in this beautiful soft light, the sun is flattening the landscape and making photography very difficult. The lesson here? If you can, seek interiors at mid-day that offer soft, indirect window light and help us make our images on our terms, not on nature's terms.
Guest 05-May-2009 15:41
I like how the light softly falls on the edges of her feet and laptop, just barely defining the gentle curves and angles against the dark background. All we need to know is there--no more, no less. Beautiful in its simplicity.
Alina05-May-2009 14:14
…or she is just exhausted from learning for whole night :)
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