I was recently at an abandoned prison and have three shots of the same area, only difference a light. A siren light is in the bottom of two of these and not in one. I was wondering what looked better...full light, partial light, or no light? I'm thinking the light may obscure the focus and distract the viewer but I want some other peoples perspectives. Thanks in advance.

Full Light



Partial Light



No light

No light. Play with your levels, try and get more sky color.

I am not a photographer by any means. But I like full light!

I think out of these three, no light looks the best. However you maybe could've made the light the subject of the picture if you gave it some more real estate on the screen.

The sky is also overexposed which is distracting. I would look into exposure bracketing for shots when you can't find a happy medium between not underexposing the dark areas and not overexposing the light areas.

I would say full light, except with more focus on it. Give it some more space in the shot, and than dramatically lower you're exposure. Even if the light and the background gets a little dark, lower it still so you can get the sky, and than if you want to you can bring the light and trees and etc. back in post.
The colour looks good in your shots though apart from the exposure thing!

I would have to agree the light only works if it is the subject of the picture, otherwise, it's more of a distraction.

I would have to agree the light only works if it is the subject of the picture, otherwise, it's more of a distraction.

Posted by S&J Explore I would have to agree the light only works if it is the subject of the picture, otherwise, it's more of a distraction.

I thought you were joking

What is the story you are trying to tell - does the siren light contribute to it? As it is a prison you are exploring, I think the siren adds to the story. It creates an object of interest besides the fence in the background. It also adds color to the shot - red is the opposite of green (the color that takes up the most space in your photo), so it's a nice addition to the image.
I would also like to add that you should adjust the exposure of the sky so it's less exposed, but keep the exposure for the rest of the image.
Also, if the light is your focal point, I would suggest you limit the depth of field next time you take a photo with an up-close object like that.
Also, keep the rule of thirds in mind when you shoot. This image doesn't follow the rule, and you don't always need to follow it, but I think the shot would be improved if you had.

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Thanks for all the advice! I forgot to change my settings from a more landscape photo to a more portrait subjected one, I can definitely improve my next shots with all the help you provided. I think the story part will be especially useful.

A picture of a bunch of trees with a chain link fence running through isn't all that exciting. I vote for full light. Second place is no light, with half-light being really unnecessary.

Posted by Steed A picture of a bunch of trees with a chain link fence running through isn't all that exciting. I vote for full light. Second place is no light, with half-light being really unnecessary.

Half light was unnecessary, it was actually a miss-shot, but I kept it for the sake of the Dr.Seuss reference for the most part.

Posted by S&J Explore Half light was unnecessary, it was actually a miss-shot, but I kept it for the sake of the Dr.Seuss reference for the most part.

Half light
Full light
Big light
Little light.

Red light
Green light
On light
Dismal light.

This one has a cage
This one is red with rage
Oh my star
So many lights there are!

Yes. Some are Big. And some are little.
Some are on. And some are dismal.

Some are watt.
And some are wrought.
And some are very, very, hot.

Why are they
Watt and wrought and hot?
I do not know
Don't be a twat.

Hahahaha, that just made my morning!

I do not know Don't be a twat.

Truly Words to live by.

Posted by S&J Explore Hahahaha, that just made my morning!

I giggled to my self as I wrote it, and spontaneously lol'd several time throughout the rest of the day!

Posted by OriginalJynx Truly Words to live by.

That, my friend is no lie. I can think of many who do not follow the "don't be a twat" mantra....