Today, we're getting back to the basics of photography: light and shadow. Forget the gear, the software, and the filters—at its core, a great photo is a dance between these two fundamental elements. As I always say, it’s all about “light and the absence of light.”

Light reveals and shadow defines. Every stunning portrait, breathtaking landscape, and candid street shot begins with this balance. Light illuminates an object's colours and textures, while shadow gives it form, depth, and three-dimensionality. Without shadows, our visual world would be flat and lacking detail. Together, they create mood and emotion.

Modern digital cameras are incredible, with their ability to record detail in even low-contrast, flat light. This advanced technology allows us to capture stunning images in once impossible conditions, making it easier than ever to create compelling visual art. It's a testament to how far we've come since I first dreamed of being a National Geographic photographer before my 16th birthday. For more than four decades, photography has been a part of my everyday life.

Recently, the power of these fundamentals was on full display in a shot I captured of an Atlantic puffin. The bird sat perfectly still on the glass-like water of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, its form in beautiful contrast to the stark, foggy backdrop. Stripped of colour and shrouded in a dreamy haze, the image proves that the most captivating stories are sometimes told with nothing but a subject, the mood created by light and shadow, and the absence of colour.

Photography is more than just a button click. It's an art, a craft, a tool for storytelling, a passionate hobby, and a rewarding career. On this day, let’s appreciate the power of an image to freeze a moment in time, tell a story without words, and connect us all.

Kudos from Facebook:

“I had the best time on this trip (Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop Aug. 2025) He is an excellent, knowledgeable photographer. Chris knows where to go for the best angles and light.

I had some food issues and the 2 women there were so fantastic and friendly it made the experience so much better than some other places I have been to.

I have picked up some really great tips that helped with birds in flight. I have never seen so many puffins in 1 place it was incredible. The best were when they flew in with fish in their mouth OMG. I’m still going through thousands of pictures that I can’t believe I got. This trip is a must if you love puffins. Just go you won’t be sorry”

Thank you Chris - Francine Dollinger Thornton | CO | USA

**Atlantic Puffin Black & White** (*Fratercula arctica,* Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop , Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds . Sony a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

A recent image from my "Deluxe Puffins Galore and So Much More" workshop: a genuinely unforgettable photographic experience. Picture this: the last rays of the setting sun bathing everything in a glorious golden light, the air filled with the gentle calls of seabirds, and a charismatic Atlantic puffin posing just for us amidst a tapestry of golden lichen-covered rocks. It was pure magic!

There is a general rule of thumb for photographers: point your shadow at your subject (stand with your back to the sun) for even front lighting on your subject. While this is a solid foundation and a good approach in harsh light, real artistry often lies in understanding when and how to deviate from it. Embracing the low angle of the golden hour sun was key to capturing a truly striking portrait.

By allowing the light source to move slightly off that direct "shadow-pointing" angle, subtle shadows began to dance across the puffin's charming face and plumage. These weren't harsh, distracting shadows but rather gentle gradations that sculpted its features, adding a beautiful sense of depth and dimension to the image. The contrast between the warmly lit areas and the soft shadows brought the puffin to life in a way that flat, front lighting does not achieve; light illuminating each feather and a subtle offset shadow defining its form.

To further enhance the intimacy of the portrait, I encouraged everyone to photograph at, or even slightly below, the puffin's eye level. This perspective connects with the subject, making the viewer feel like they are sharing a moment with this incredible little bird. It eliminates the feeling of looking down upon the animal and creates a more intimate portrait.

And then there was the background – a photographer's dream! The rocks on Lighthouse Island are adorned with vibrant, golden lichen, creating a naturally beautiful and textured backdrop. To truly make our puffin pop, we employed a shallow depth of field by shooting wide open on our lenses. This technique beautifully blurs the lichen-covered rocks into a wash of warm, out-of-focus golden orange, allowing the puffin's sharp details and vibrant colours to take center stage. The contrast between the crisp subject and the dreamy background truly made the puffin pop.

Witnessing the joy on the workshop participants' faces as they reviewed their images – the golden light catching the puffin's eye, the rich bokeh of the lichen, and the intimate connection created by the low angle – was incredibly rewarding. It was a perfect reminder that while fundamental rules are helpful, understanding how to play with light and perspective can elevate a good photograph to an extraordinary one. The puffins of Lighthouse Island, bathed in golden hour glory, certainly delivered a masterclass in the art of portraiture.

Happy World Photography Day! B&W Atlantic Puffin

Beyond the Basics: Mastering Puffin Portraits in the Golden Hour