Tropism – The turning or bending movement of an organism or a part toward or away from an external stimulus, such as light, heat, or gravity. ~ Free Online Dictionary

This characteristic of flowers (plants) to naturally turn towards the light is called phototropism. Light provides energy to plants through photosynthesis, so turning towards the light evolved naturally as a survival mechanism. We too need energy from light. We also need light for our photographs. Photography is the art of writing with light. So, knowing light, following light, is a good practice to develop for anyone.

Even Einstein said, “For the rest of my life, I will reflect on what light is.”

In our first week of Photo By Design, we spend our time noticing light. I believe that no matter how seasoned a photographer we are,  we should occasionally take a week to really pay attention to the light. It’s a way to get out of a photographic rut or even to get some extra energy.

Read: Are you a Light Seeker? by Valerie Jardin, Digital Photography School