Learning about light by studying the old masters of painting isn't just for portrait photographers; the more one learns about and understands light, how it reacts and how to manipulate it, the better ones photography can be even if it means simply knowing when NOT to take the photo. I love to spend time in my studio playing around with lighting various objects for different effects.
My favorite technique of the old masters is the use of chiaroscuro and tenebrism (tenebroso)...Caravagio, Rembrandt, Da Vinci and many more. It's rich, dramatic, and although it's usually considered dark and gloomy I find it to be very sensual because the light caresses the contours. When I brought these red pears home they were crying out for a visit to my studio before finding their way to the kitchen.
Great lesson.
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