How to make the best use of natural light when shooting outdoors?
Have you ever picked up your camera on a nice day outdoors to take a pretty picture, only to be disappointed when the photo turns out darker than expected or your face is in shadow? I've experienced this myself many times. Especially on days with strong sunlight, I'd wander around, not knowing where to stand, and eventually give up. But as it turns out, with just a few simple tips, you can utilize natural light as the best lighting! 😊
Natural light provides a soft, rich glow that's incomparable to artificial light. How you handle this light can completely change the mood of your photos. Today, I've elegantly(?) summarized my practical tips for utilizing natural light, using a royal purple theme. Shall we take a look?
1. Golden Hour and Blue Hour, the Magical Hour ⏳
Anyone with even a passing interest in photography has probably heard of this. Golden Hour and Blue Hour! These two hours are the most beloved by photographers.
- Golden Hour: Refers to approximately one hour before or after the sun rises or sets. The warm, soft orange sunlight beautifully accentuates the model's skin, and the long, soft shadows create a dramatic atmosphere.
- Blue Hour: This refers to the bluish-green time period just after sunset or just before sunrise. It's perfect for capturing photos with a calm and mysterious atmosphere. The light is low, so you may need to use a tripod or increase the ISO.
Using this time of day wisely can yield truly stunning photos without any special techniques, so give it a try!
2. How to Understand the Direction of Light ☀️
Even in the same location, the resulting photo can vary significantly depending on where the light is coming from. Simply understanding the direction of the light is more than half the battle!
- Front Light: This occurs when the sun is directly in front of the model. The subject is bright and clear, but there are few shadows on the face, which reduces the sense of depth and can cause squinting.
- Side Light: This occurs when the sun is shining from the side of the model. One side of the face is bright and the other side is in shadow, creating a three-dimensional and atmospheric photo.
- Backlighting (Backlight): This is when the sun is behind the model. While this is the most challenging lighting, it creates a soft glow (rim light) around the head, creating a truly romantic and magical photo. In this case, the face will appear dark, so it's recommended to use a reflector or flash to fill in the light.
If you're having trouble finding the direction of the light, try pointing your palm toward the sun. The direction of the shadow on your palm will help you see where the light is coming from.
3. The Art of Shadow Photography ✨
Shadows can be harsh and tempting to avoid under strong sunlight. However, if you use them wisely, they can be a wonderful element that adds depth and pattern to your photos.
For example, photograph a portrait under sunlight filtering through tree branches, or use the striped shadows created by light filtering through window blinds as a backdrop. Simply posing your model can create a unique feel with shadow photography.
4. Using Auxiliary Tools: Reflectors and Diffusers 🛠️
Sometimes you feel like natural light isn't enough. In these cases, using simple tools can yield much better results.
| Tools | Role and Tips |
|---|---|
| Reflector | Bounce light off dark areas to soften shadows. White construction paper or aluminum foil can make great reflectors. |
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