My photography course has challenged me to see the world in a new way.

I decided to start one-year photography course last summer, as I wanted to learn more about photography. I had come across the Kamerakoulu.fi website run by Atte Tanner. The website offers free courses, including Photoshop and photography techniques. I really liked Atte’s teaching style, so I decided to join his year-long course.

September theme – Light

In September, we focused on light. Our assignment was to capture four images based on specific themes. These themes were

• Whisper of the Morning
• The Power of Backlight
• The Last Ray of Light
• The Dance of Light and Shadow

We were told that the best photos would likely be taken early in the morning or in the evening as the sun set.

Light is one of the most crucial elements in photography. The amount, color and direction of light all impact the final image. Soft morning or evening light often creates a warm and natural look. In contrast, harsh midday sunlight can result in strong shadows and high contrast.

The direction of light—whether it is front, side or backlight—shapes the mood and depth of a photograph. Additionally, understanding and using a histogram is essential in determining the correct exposure.

The histogram helps photographers assess the balance of highlights, midtones, and shadows. It ensures that important details are neither underexposed nor overexposed. Mastering these elements allows for more intentional and impactful storytelling through photography.

In this post I will show you some photos I photographed for the theme Whisper of the morning.

Whisper of the morning – misty field at dawn

For the Whisper of the Morning theme, I envisioned a misty open field at dawn. This scene is often present on crisp autumn mornings. I had seen in that field beautiful trees covered by mist. The scene reminded me of Tuscany and I loved it. I had decided to visit the field as soon as the weather forecast was promising mist.

I have told in my earlier posts (f.e Chasing Misty Mornings in Kuusamo) that I love misty mornings. The light is so soft and the mist hides and reveals the landscape making it mysterious. This scene I wanted to capture to my task, Whisper to the Morning.

This meant I had to wake up at 5 a.m. to make sure I arrived at the field in time to capture the first rays of sunlight.

Early mornings are not my favorite. Typically, I wake up, drink a glass of water, and rush out the door. My ideal mornings are slow and peaceful, where I can enjoy my breakfast and read the newspaper without haste. However, sacrifices must be made for a beloved passion. This year, I have committed to rising early for the sake of photography. I do this rather than lingering in bed.

Magical morning listening to birds

That morning in the field was magical. The open landscape attracts migratory birds, and there were plenty of them. Cranes called in the distance, and flocks of geese flew overhead, heading toward the edge of the field. Nearby, a river carried the sounds of mallards and other waterbirds. The air was crisp and cool, invigorating my senses as I immersed myself in capturing the moment.

Despite the early wake-up, the experience was worth it. There is something truly special about witnessing the world awaken. You can see the first light kiss the landscape. You can hear nature’s symphony before the day fully begins. These are the moments that remind me why I love photography.

And so, I will keep waking up early, camera in hand, ready to chase the light.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Hopefully you liked my post about photographing early morning light.

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