A few photos from today - look at the light

Do I keep reiterating that photography is all about light? Of course, it involves looking at lines, patterns, and with kids - expressions as well. However, if your lighting isn't thought out, your photo will have trouble.

I've started using my front room with large windows on either side as a mini-studio. Today my kids were happy to play around with me, so I grabbed a few shots. Often black and white really shows the light direction as our eyes go directly to the lights and darks and aren't distracted by color. Here are a few of both. Look at where the light is coming from and where the highlights on the faces and hair are: