An Introduction

“Flux” is the base metric of photometry, the science of light.

It also refers to a state of continuous change. Incidentally, “The Flux” was once a common term for dysentery, due to the, uh, flux of bodily fluids. But let’s begin our discussion with the first two meanings, and then I’ll make a Game of Thrones reference and be done with it.

Luminous Flux is luminous radiant power emitted from a light source. That is, the flow of photons in the visible spectrum. It’s what allows us to see, every day. I don’t want to wax poetic about how light is life, because there is value in darkness as well, but this flux has allowed life to exist. Without it plants would not grow, and we would not survive. For most of us, vision is one of our most prominent senses, and it is how we perceive the world.

I did not always know that I loved light. I was dabbling in architectural engineering coursework during my sophomore year of college when I learned that studying light was everything I had been looking for. Illumination 1 (it even sounds cool) taught me about photometry and the scientific side of light. Then, I continued on to take classes in optics, lighting design, and calculation. It’s the perfect blend of technical engineering and artistic design. Most folks I talk to in the lighting design industry say the same thing. So, now I’m a lighting designer with some electrical engineering skills, and I’m surrounded by light every day. (But then again, aren’t we all?)

Hera the Cat - somewhat cooperative during a Christmas Lights Photo Op

Fairy Light Photo Shoot - yay light!

I’ve learned a lot about light, but what I’ve really learned to do is to see. And this is where side-stepping into photography was inevitable. I did have an interest in photography before, but that was more because it was “Art! but I don’t have to be able to draw!” And I wasn’t good at it. I’d always mess around with my little camera, especially in high school with friends. I loved to take photos when I’d travel with my family. In fact, I remember vividly standing in awe in the middle of Maui’s Iao Valley, attempting to take a photo of the breathtaking beauty with my tiny Canon point-and-shoot. The photo is flat and I can't even begin to feel the allure of the place. What did it take to accurately capture the scenery? More than I knew, that's for sure. 

I bought my first DSLR after my 2013 Europe trip with Kit. We saw so many great things! And my pictures were utter garbage. Long story short, I had broken my laptop about a week before the trip, right after graduating college. I had already mentally set aside the money to replace it. But then it occurred to me that Kit and I were about to move in together. That man positively exudes computers. They just appear around him. I didn’t need to buy another laptop! No, what I needed… was a camera.

So I Got Me A Camera

Of course, buying an entry-level DSLR did not instantly improve my photography (SURPRISE!). Sure, I had better quality photos in the literal sense, and I could create a creamy bokeh behind my subjects, but I had a lot to learn. And I did learn! I spent countless hours reading blogs and internet articles discussing the technical aspect of photography and searching for inspiration from professional, talented photographers. I learned about ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, histograms, color calibration, and the list goes on. I read about how digital cameras work and about different file formats. I learned how to shoot in RAW and process the photos afterwards. I learned Adobe Lightroom. I learned how little I actually knew about photography. I spent quite awhile in the Jon Snow Trough of the Dunning-Kruger Effect.

Now, after countless adventures, thousands of terribly composed photos, and a couple of camera upgrade (the newest a Fuji XT-2 - I’m in love!), I can come closer to capturing scenes as I see them. I still work very hard to learn how to effectively compose landscape photos and capture the beautiful scenes I get to see in this world, but I have also learned to love shooting people (a sentence that does not read well in America, 2018). People bring something unique to the experience, and it feels more personal. Not only is this a scene I love, but it includes a person I love too. When I spend too much time trying to take a landscape photo of value, I want to give up. What does it matter if I take this? Countless photographers have taken better versions before me and countless more will take better versions after me. So, I like taking pictures of people, which I did not anticipate.

Plus, there’s light.

Noticing light, thinking about light, loving light; this has, I believe, made me a better photographer. Light makes the difference. Natural light is a huge component of any outdoor photography, and timing matters. Shadows matter. The color of light matters. Real Life Photographer Stan Honda once told me that so much of photography is about patience. You have to wait for the right moment. I’m still learning that patience. Right now, I get lucky. I stumble across the right lighting. If I weren’t paying attention, I’d miss it.

Sunset on the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park, just after a rainstorm.

I will continue to share my growth here. I have a lot more to learn. I’m going to keep my camera with me, and I’m going to keep watching and waiting for the right light. It’s always changing.

Which brings me to the second definition of flux. We are all constantly in a state of flux. It’s easy to feel like life is moving too quickly. This may be another reason I love photography. It is a way to freeze time, to preserve a memory. With this blog, I want to learn how to write as well. I want to add context and interpretation to my experiences. I’ve forgotten how to use words. They feel so insufficient to describe the human condition, and yet language is an incredibly valuable tool. I’d like to get better at this.

Sunrise from the Squaw Mountain Firewatch Tower

I sprinted across a frozen lawn to catch this sunlight. I was positively panicked I was going to miss it.

So please, be patient with me! I promise to work hard to improve in return. As far as photography goes, I don’t even care if I’m considered “good”. This shit is fun. It’s pushed me to go on adventures, to plan photo shoots, to take on projects, and to live.

With that, I offer a challenge to you: notice light, and you will see beauty.

love, April

PS: I promised a Game of Thrones reference, and surprisingly, it was not the Jon Snow Trough. You know what is missing from the TV show, but occurs in the books? Daenerys gets dysentery and proceeds to have terrible diarrhea for days on end while alone in the Red Waste. I understand why this did not make it into the TV adaptation, but I’m disappointed all the same.