Examples of Light as a Subject

Photographer Unknown

What can I tell you? I am a sucker for long exposures. The secondary subject, I believe to be would be the buildings and skyscrapers. 

Photograph by Beverly Joubert, National Geographic

The lighting in this photograph is extremely dramatic, which is why I chose this. Obviously, the secondary subject is the lionesses.

Photograph by Mitsuaki Iwago, Minden Pictures

Photographer Mitsuaki Iwago used a low angle and the body of the Maasai tribesman to add drama to this photograph. The sun is breaking through clouds of dust, so the low angle adds to this effect. But the light is harsh enough to destroy all the shadow areas, unless it is blocked by a silhouette large enough to allow the right exposure. 

Photograph by Maria Stenzel, National Geographic

This photographer allowed several different sources of light to create the architecture of this photograph. The secondary subject is the shape of the pyramid and the palm trees. 

Photograph by Gordon Gahan, National Geographic

 I chose this photograph because, in a composition standpoint, I love the leading point lines the light creates with it's reflection that carries us down the tunnel. The secondary subject, I believe, is the water and the ceiling of the tunnel.