The subtlety of light
National Theatre, London
These photos of the National Theatre were taken three years ago on a November day in 2019.
As I reviewed the photos on the late night train home, I had been disappointed. The muted light hadn't inspired me.
My enthusiasm usually lifts when the skies are blue. The colour and contrast of bright sun stimulates my visual imagination. I tend to notice more angles and light.
Encouraged by the recent photos I took of the Barbican in the rain, I had another look at these photos.
I noticed something different.
With a fresh eye I began to appreciate them. I liked what I saw.
I realised this light offers as many possibilities as bright light. It is less brash. The lines and texture of a building are more noticeable.
As moving one step sideways, or one step back offers a different angle; different light offers different possibilities.
It reminded me that the first edit is never enough. Revisiting photos offers a new perspective to previously dismissed images.
Dusk is arriving earlier and earlier here in England. Maybe now is the time to use the long evenings to take a look at your archive and see what you’ve missed?
And please share them. I’m intrigued to know what you rediscover.
Thank you for reading
Andrew
I particularly liked the first shot - the 'complete' view - where my eye was drawn to high rise London unfolding in the top left corner. I have always been fascinated by the way the building of different eras sit alongside each other, some contrasts more stark than others. B
Great photos. I really appreciate the subtle hues of an overcast day. It creates a feeling too. I love those Southbank buildings in every weather and season. They always feel like home. My mum used to take me there when I was young and I always felt embraced by those brutalist forms. They still have the same effect on me!