When taking photographs, the difference between ordinary and special is usually in the light. This applies whether its a portrait, architectural or landscape. This is especially true in gardens. I recently spent several hours at the Bloedel Reserve here on Bainbridge Island. Most of my photographs from that morning were "OK." But just as I was getting ready to leave, about 10 am, a full 4 hours after sunrise, I came across "the" shot of the morning. The light was intense on this single tree, while the background was dark. The limbs almost float in the air, since the tree trunk was also in the shade. The resulting photograph is a study of light, and that's what an arresting photograph is all about. So, be on the lookout for light and contrast, whether at sunrise, sunset or even midday.
