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CREATE MOOD WITH SETTING
The appearance of a photographic subject will change significantly according to the light, weather, time of day, etc. An oldcastle photographed against a gathering storm will more readily evoke feelings of a medieval landscape than if it were photographed on a sunny afternoon. Often, a stark, gnarled old tree photographed from some distance away will appear more isolated and eerie than if photographed close-up.
The important thing is to become sensitive to creating mood from the subject's locale and setting. To some extent, all photographs possess some degree of mood. But you, as a photographer, have the ability to add drama and mystery to the most ordinary subjects by balancing light, weather and point of view. Rather than your photographs saying, "this is what I saw," try to get them to say, "this is what I felt."
Sometimes a building will look uninspiring until a particular light falls upon it. A row of trees may not excite you until lit by emerging sunbeams against the dark backdrop of a receding storm cloud. Early morning mist will enhance a cityscape with an almost monotone of subtle color while the buildings tend to lose their sharp outlines and lend an air of romance to your shot.
Direction of light is of utmost importance. The best light often falls from the side so that textures and shadows are intensified. Even the effects of a heavy rain can be used to good advantage. Become responsive to light reflected off a wet roof or reflections in a newly formed puddle. You'll get creative, mood-filled photographs if you do.
Develop your creativity by becoming more receptive to the elements that make up a photograph. Be patient. You may have to wait for the right conditions. Shift your photographic thinking from the literal recording of a scene to an artistic expression of mood.
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