How to Get the Best Light

"Creativity is unpredictable, but craftsmanship is the essence of the art," says David Alan Harvey, who drapes his celebrated photographs of Cuba and Brazil in seductive, defining light. "The secret is to work the edges of the day. You have to push the envelope on light, particularly if you're working in color. Shoot at dawn and continue in late afternoon, into sunset's warm tones, and even half an hour beyond, to capture subtle flickering firelight. Experiment with exposure and film speed to make the most of available light." A few illuminating secrets:

• The best light is in the early morning and before sunset. But good light also depends on location and time of year, so plan your day well.

• Don't be afraid of bad weather: You can get a great light in fog and when the sky is dark and stormy.

• Resist the temptation to use higher ASA film when the light fades. Instead, work with higher contrast, slower-speed (50-100 ASA) film. You might get fewer good shots, but the ones that turn out will be spectacular.