Natural lighting is something that all photographers should learn to use. It can make or break an image, and it can be used in a variety of ways to create different effects. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use natural lighting in the iconic style of Bruce Weber Photographer.
There are three main things you need to consider when using natural light: the direction of the light, the time of day, and any sources of competing light.
Direction of Light
Light coming from directly overhead is generally considered undesirable because it’s unflattering to most people. You’ll notice that if you try to take a picture of someone with the sun behind them, they always squint their eyes – this is because all the light is hitting them in the eyes.
Ideally, you want to position your subject so that the light is coming from either side or from behind them. This will create a more flattering effect and will help avoid squinting.
Time of Day
The time of day can also have a big impact on how your image looks. The best time to take photos is usually in the early morning or evening when the light is softer and more diffused. Midday sun can be harsh and create unflattering shadows.
Competing Light
It’s also important to consider any competing light sources. For example, if there’s a bright sun behind your subject, it will create harsh shadows that will need to be softened. Conversely, if there’s a bright light source behind the camera, it will create a harsh glare that must be avoided.
Five Tips to Get the Most Out of Natural Light
1) Find a Location with Good Light
When scouting for a location, look for good natural light. This might mean finding a spot that’s near a window or facing the sun in the morning or evening.
2) Use Reflectors to Bounce Light Into Shadows
If you’re having trouble getting enough light into certain areas of your image, you can use a reflector to bounce light into the shadows. This will help to soften the shadows and create a more flattering effect.
3) Use a Diffuser to Soften Harsh Light
You can use a diffuser to soften the light if you’re shooting in bright sunlight. This will help avoid harsh shadows and squinting. You can also use a reflector to soften the shadows.
4) Try Using Backlighting
Using backlighting can create a really interesting effect, but you need to be careful not to silhouette your subject. Backlighting works best when you have some sort of separation between your model and the background or if there are multiple competing light sources.
5) Experiment With Different Times of Day
Different times of day can create different effects, so experiment with shooting at different times. Midday light is often considered undesirable, but it does have an interesting effect on your image. Using natural light doesn’t need to be complicated or difficult – it just requires some experimentation and patience. When paired with a good location and some creative posing, natural light can create some stunning images.
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