Field notes / A small photographic practice
One window, three different pictures
Watch an ordinary scene change with the light.
Choose a small, non-reflective object near a window and photograph it in the morning, around the middle of the day and later in the afternoon. Keep the camera position and background as consistent as possible.
Observe the shadow
Look at the shadow edge and the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the scene. Overcast light may make the transition softer; direct sun can draw a much sharper shape. Your window direction and the weather will affect the result.
Keep a short record
Note the time, weather and whether the room lights were on. Automatic exposure can make pictures look more similar than the scene felt. On a phone, try tapping the same part of the subject and adjusting brightness deliberately.
Choose a mood
Compare the three images without deciding which is technically best. Which feels calm, graphic or dramatic? Repeat the exercise with the light that suits the picture you want to make. Never aim your eyes or an optical viewfinder directly at the sun.