Ok. It might not be the “best”, but it sure is one easy way to see light (and contrast).

The Lightfinder!

Before I get into the Light Finders, I would like to give credit to Gary Lloyd in MD for telling me about this back in February.

You see, I was invited to speak/judge in Maryland (a great group of people…I made many new friends) and at dinner one evening Gary and I were talking about light and teaching. Gary asked me if I have seen the illustration where you use a folded business card to see contrast. (see image 1)

He told me that he originally learned this from the late Heidi Mauracher. Gary proceeded to take out his business card, fold it in half and find light (contrast) with it!! I love stuff like this as it is so very simple, but powerfully enables people to grow in their ability to see light.

We’ve spent our whole lives looking, but as photographers we now have to train ourselves to see!

The Lightfinder!

Practical Application

While I am known mostly for Studio Portraiture, these Light Finders are used primarily to find the light (and contrast) while shooting outdoors in an environmental setting. It’s so easy to use! Simply fold the card on the dotted line (if you are using one of mine) and stick the card to your finger.

No more wandering around and look for light! (contrast) I am not responsible should you walk into any walls while finding light. You have to pay attention to your surroundings as you use this device. Make sure you find light responsibly!! And don’t forget to share the light with those around you.

My 3 of my 4 favorite ways to find light. #4 being the egg!

3 Great Liglhtfinders

To take this idea to the next level…. think of the fold on the Light Finder card as the subject’s nose. Once you find contrast with the card, put your subject in the same spot and you will then have the same contrast on their face. Here Mercedes has jumped in the background of the image. Notice how the contrast on the Light Finder, on Mercedes and on the column are all similar? How easy is that?

P.S.
When you send the SASE, If you ask, I’ll autograph one “Light Finder” and include a 2nd free!! How cool is that?
Once you get your own “Light Finder” send me an image of you using it and I might (no guarantee) include it in a future Light Readings.