A lot of the time when I'm out photographing, I take pictures that, while not exactly the most fascinating subjects, I still like to take. Sometimes, there's something about an otherwise bland scene that I really like, and it's usually to do with the way the light is falling in the scene. Sometimes people don't get what I see in an image, and that's ok. Not every photo has to be a masterpiece, and not every photo has to be art gallery worthy. Photography is, of course, all about light, and sometimes I love an image because of the way the light interacts with whatever is in the scene.

I love the way warm sunshine falls across a building. I love the way this light makes the whites shine and the yellows glow. I love the slightly blue tints of white painted objects as they fall into the shadows. I love shadows too. I love how the dance of bright and dark can transform a scene into a canvas of lines and curves and patterns as some unseen object paints itself across what you see in front of you. I love the light.

Not a great subject, or photo, but I love the colours and the way the light interacts with the building, from the shadows to the way the sun is falling on the white painted areas around the doors.

Sometimes it's the colour and texture that appeal to me to. In this shot for example. It's not a "good" photograph, but I like the colours, and the way the spring sunshine was making everything almost glow.

This is in many ways a "bad" photograph, but I love the way the light brings out the colour and texture on the truck

The other day I was walking into the city centre. I decided to get off the tram a stop earlier because it was such a beautiful day. On the way I saw lots of things that excited me because of the light, and everything I've said earlier, from the shadows, to the colours to the interplay of light as it shines through the reeds by the canal. None of these are particularly great photos, but I like them because I liked the light.

Despite being in shadow, the reflections are like a painting, and you can see the light playing with the building opposite

You may be wondering what all this has to do with anything (well, nothing probably) but one of the steps to improving your photography is learning to see the light. Even if the subject isn't great, use it as a learning tool so that you can see it instantly when you have a great subject. Learn to love the light and you're already half way there.

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I am a fine art Photographer and do not shoot commercial projects. I do my best to keep this site regularly updated with lots of tips, reviews, news and photography advice, all for free. If you like what you read here and want more, then sign up for our newsletter to get regular site updates and occasional special offers. You can also follow my photographic exploits on Facebook and Twitter

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