When starting out as a photographer or videographer, learning how light works is equally the biggest hurdle and the door to most advancement.

As an example, do this simple test.

Go outside on a sunny day. Photograph a leaf with the sun behind you (do one in shadow and one in full lght). Then shoot the same leaf into the sun, using the leaf to block the direct sunlight, or shoot at a slight angle if needed as you will likely also discover the full effect of “flare” on your lens.

The difference should be obvious and the effect on how you see light, just as strong.

Shooting into the light can cause you some technical issues, but there is no denying the added drama it offers.

My favourite lens for this type of shooting is the robust and versatile Olympus f1.8 17mm. It is not immune to flare and glare, but it can take a bit of pain.