Personal Work

A quiet evening's walk home

When I'm considering a scene to capture, one of the most crucial elements for me is the available light and its type.

I realize this might sound obvious, but for me, it's more than just the illumination—it's about the quality of the light, especially when it's artificial.

While natural light is always ideal, it's not always available, particularly around or after sunset. The challenge is to understand that not all artificial lights will result in pleasing images. For instance, mercury or sodium vapour lights, if not placed thoughtfully, can make your photos look less appealing, even ghoulish. If that’s your goal, then so be it.

One of Portugal’s delights is its cobblestone streets and distinctive streetlamps. Unlike the harsh, glaring lights often used in other cities, which can be either mercury or sodium vapour, Portugal uses charming carriage-style tungsten lamps. These fixtures cast a soft, warm glow on the white walls and reflect beautifully off the cobblestones, creating a stunning, photogenic ambiance—a true delight for any photographer.

A quiet evening's walk home

When I'm considering a scene to capture, one of the most crucial elements for me is the available light and its type.

I realize this might sound obvious, but for me, it's more than just the illumination—it's about the quality of the light, especially when it's artificial.

While natural light is always ideal, it's not always available, particularly around or after sunset. The challenge is to understand that not all artificial lights will result in pleasing images. For instance, mercury or sodium vapour lights, if not placed thoughtfully, can make your photos look less appealing, even ghoulish. If that’s your goal, then so be it.

One of Portugal’s delights is its cobblestone streets and distinctive streetlamps. Unlike the harsh, glaring lights often used in other cities, which can be either mercury or sodium vapour, Portugal uses charming carriage-style tungsten lamps. These fixtures cast a soft, warm glow on the white walls and reflect beautifully off the cobblestones, creating a stunning, photogenic ambiance—a true delight for any photographer.