Three Best Tips to Enhance Your Photography Part 2 of 3
It is amazing what natural lighting can do to bring out the best in a photograph. Let's explore some important concepts of natural lighting and how it can help you capture that perfect photo.
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The difference between natural lighting and artificial lighting is easily distinguishable. Sunlight can vary greatly during the day. For instance, the “golden hour” (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides a soft, warm light that is flattering for most subjects. Conversely, artificial lighting includes man-made lights like lamps, streetlights, or studio lights. The benefits of artificial lighting are that you can control the intensity and direction of the light.
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It's time to get technical, so put on your thinking caps and dive into lighting concepts that most photographers understand and use daily. (Asher Photo Studio will provide additional tips by promoting products related to affiliate links, which through Amazon, can provide in-depth reviews and customer critique.)
Direction of Light
This can be from sunlight or artificial lighting, and depending on the direction of the light, it can affect the mood and appearance of the subject (e.g., a person, car, building, etc.). For example, front lighting highlights details but can make an image look flat. Side lighting adds depth and texture, creating more dimensions. Lastly, backlighting can produce silhouettes and a dramatic effect.
Quality of Light
When we talk about how “soft” or how “hard” light is, we simply want to look for shadows. Soft light (like from a cloudy sky or diffused light) reduces shadows and creates a gentle, flattering look. However, hard light (like direct sunlight or a spotlight) creates sharp shadows and strong contrasts.
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Not many people know this, but light has a color temperature, which is measured in Kelvin (K). This means that natural light can be warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish), depending on the time of day. Similarly, artificial light sources can vary too—incandescent bulbs are warm, while fluorescent lights can be cool or neutral.
Techniques and Tips
- Use Reflectors and Diffusers: Reflectors bounce light to fill in shadows, while diffusers soften the light to reduce harshness. These tools help you manipulate natural and artificial light.
- Experiment with Exposure: Adjusting your camera's exposure settings can help you balance the light in your images. Overexposing or underexposing an image can create different moods and effects.
- Study Shadows and Highlights: Observe how light and shadows play on your subjects. Highlights can bring attention to certain areas, while shadows can add mystery and depth.
Be proactive in your photography! Take shots that not only move you emotionally but also challenge your knowledge and skill set. By gaining more exposure to different environments, you can grow and create stunning, high-quality work.
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MJ Grenier
With a passion for crafting compelling content, he creates captivating pieces for Scáth Solas Life. He thrives on interviewing people, exploring their photography interests, traveling, and composing stories about their lives. His dedication to the craft is evident in every piece he creates, weaving together vibrant narratives that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of those he encounters.
