Light is arguably the most important factor in photography. Knowing when to avoid it, when to use it and to what extent -- these are skills sought by many and mastered by few.
Last week, we challenged you to implement harsh mid-day light in your photographs. Though it's a difficult situation to tackle, we were incredibly impressed with what we saw.
"The submissions for the challenge left me in absolute awe of the vast talent that is out there," guest host and freelance photographer Jose Silva said. "It’s not always easy to shoot in harsh light but many of the talented artists that submitted work seem to have mastered the art form."
Silva chases harsh light in many of his photos. Whether it's sunlight beaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows, or shadows cast by tall New York City buildings, he uses the contrast to make his photos unique.
"Browsing through the gallery of photos was almost like taking a class in harsh light photography, and it was a pleasure to scroll through such great work," he said. "Though it made it that much more difficult to pick my favorites."
Scroll through Silva's featured picks below, and check out the other great submissions here.
1. Jazz
Silva says: Wow. Wow. Wow! For me, this is a portfolio worthy street shot. The lighting, the subject, the composition…everything is absolutely perfect. A favorite of mine!
2. Parking
Silva says: Having the subject lean in the direction of the light is genius! I also love the clever composition and the light falling on the type at the top.
3. Chasing bikes and their shadows
Silva says: This shot has everything that I was looking for in an entry. A unique perspective, great use of shadows, perfect timing. It’s a visual treat!
4. That's Darwin right there
Silva says: Stunning architecture, great symmetry, and a beam of light to perfectly leads to the subject. What's not to love?
5. Walking
Silva says: Really enjoy the mood of this edit, and those strips of light are so interesting! Great submission, and a beautiful street shot.
6. Morning smoke
Silva says: A masterful capture of a hazy morning commute. The smoke adds an interesting element to the mood, which is also complemented by the strong shadows.
7. Art of observation
Silva says: I'm a big fan of street portraiture, and this shot is an example why. There is deep emotion in the subject, and the composition is spot on.
8. Commuter
Silva says: This location is perfect for chasing harsh light! That pattern of shadows created is fantastic, and I really like the blue hues in the edit.
9. Whiskey season soon
Silva says: Wow! Upon seeing this shot, I immediately thought, "That's deep." This sort of dramatic lighting is exactly why I love shooting in harsh light!
10. Hidden
Silva says: Brilliant portrait. The patches of light and the refracted light from the window only add to my favorite part of the photo, the subject. Phenomenal shot!
11. Detroit
Silva says: Everything about this is impressive. The composition, mood, subject, use of light to convey emotion… everything, perfect!
12. Miraculous
Silva says: Absolutely stunning light, what a beautiful capture in this location!
13. Harlem
Silva says: Great capture of this gritty scene! Capturing a moment like this requires much skill and impeccable timing. Well done!
14. Trials
Silva says: It doesn't get better than this. The pattern of light, unique perspective and symmetry are all really impressive here. Jason has mastered this style of photography!
15. Overpass
Silva says: Whoa, look at that strip of light! Another great example of perfect timing. This is exactly what I was looking for in the submissions, well done!
16. Acrobatic
Silva says: Lovely reminder that harsh light shots could also be light-hearted and fun. Really enjoyed this one!
17. Lurking shadows
Silva says: Brilliant! One of my favorite entries, saying everything with the shadows was a genius move!
18. Play
Silva says: Wow, that shadow play is incredible! Really impressive capture here, and the edit is perfect to match!
19. A bird's eye
Silva says: The bird's eye-view perspective is phenomenal! I love how all the street markings add a whole new dimension to this shot. Add that to the gorgeous pattern of the light and the timely capture, and you've got yourself a perfect entry!
20. London
Silva says: This shot stopped me dead in my tracks. There's so much emotion contained within … one of my favorites because it is so thought-provoking.
21. Shadow shooting
Silva says: There's beauty in simplicity. Brilliantly captured!
22. Opportunities
Silva says: WHOA. That's one of the craziest strips of light I've seen so far! One of my favorites for sure, it epitomizes what is means to chase harsh light.
23. Bike away
Silva says: Aside from the great street scene and intricate lighting, the fact that both the subject and shadow in the strip of light is immensely impressive! Amazing entry.
24. The doorway
Silva says: Capturing this kind of scene indoors is difficult. Ernest nailed it! The scene is straight out of a movie.
25. The streets
Silva says: Really wonderful scene. I love the type up at the top, as well as the fact that the subject is looking straight into the camera. That light is so gorgeous too!
26. A shadow selfie
Silva says: Love this self-portrait. The lighting and emotion are both on point, and I enjoyed the vintage and moody edit as well. Great entry.
27. Look away
Silva says: Having the subject face away from the light and into the shadows was a brilliant idea! Really masterful portrait, in every sense of the word.
28. The MET
Silva says: Great capture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. That light pattern is gorgeous!
29. The end of this alley
Silva says: Love this whole scene! The light is phenomenal, and the use of leading lines and vanishing points to lead to the subject is quite impressive. Amazing shot!