Post by Saknika on Apr 3, 2010 18:31:21 GMT -5
Natural light is something that is available to every photographer out there, and is rarely used to its greatest potential. Unfortunately, because it causes one to become a slave to it, it can be a daunting challenge to practice with and learn.
Natural light really isn’t that big of a challenge though, once you get the idea and feel for it down. The big thing to remember is when the golden hours are. The two hours after sunrise, and the two hours before sunset will give you the best quality of light, and often will yield that golden effect—hence why they are known as the Golden Hours. Generally, you want to stay away from shooting around noon, because the lighting is very harsh and not very flattering—especially if you’re photographing a person and they’re squinting at you. That’s not to say it can’t be done or that it will always look bad, but usually that is the case.
The next key to all of it is open shade—either naturally found (like in the shadow of a building) or created (with a scrim or white object like paper). You can bounce light back with a reflector or mirror (careful with the mirror though not to blind a model!) to create nice patterns of light, and with a scrim of some sort you can just tone down harsher light to create softer shadows on whatever it is you’re photographing.
Lastly, remember that you don’t have to be outside to use natural light! Windows (especially north-facing ones) yield great amounts of light into rooms, and you can use that light for photography as well! Just set up near the window and go for it. And if you have white sheers, you have a scrim all set just in case!
How this will Work:
1. Go take a photograph lit with natural light.
2. Use the following format for a post:
3. Try to create an improved photograph based off the feedback you receive.
4. Repeat step 2 (and 3) as often as desired.
Remember! This is about improvement, so we’re hoping to see two photos in this thread from all participants!
Close Date: April 30th at 11:59pm EST
And now, to get us started, here is a photo I did with natural light:
Camera: NIKON D200
Shutter Speed: 1/160 second
Aperture: F/5.6
ISO Speed: 100
Time Taken: 2:45:20 PM
Natural light really isn’t that big of a challenge though, once you get the idea and feel for it down. The big thing to remember is when the golden hours are. The two hours after sunrise, and the two hours before sunset will give you the best quality of light, and often will yield that golden effect—hence why they are known as the Golden Hours. Generally, you want to stay away from shooting around noon, because the lighting is very harsh and not very flattering—especially if you’re photographing a person and they’re squinting at you. That’s not to say it can’t be done or that it will always look bad, but usually that is the case.
The next key to all of it is open shade—either naturally found (like in the shadow of a building) or created (with a scrim or white object like paper). You can bounce light back with a reflector or mirror (careful with the mirror though not to blind a model!) to create nice patterns of light, and with a scrim of some sort you can just tone down harsher light to create softer shadows on whatever it is you’re photographing.
Lastly, remember that you don’t have to be outside to use natural light! Windows (especially north-facing ones) yield great amounts of light into rooms, and you can use that light for photography as well! Just set up near the window and go for it. And if you have white sheers, you have a scrim all set just in case!
How this will Work:
1. Go take a photograph lit with natural light.
2. Use the following format for a post:
-A comment on the image before yours
-Your photo
-Any specs you can offer us
-Any comments about your photo you have
3. Try to create an improved photograph based off the feedback you receive.
4. Repeat step 2 (and 3) as often as desired.
Remember! This is about improvement, so we’re hoping to see two photos in this thread from all participants!
Close Date: April 30th at 11:59pm EST
And now, to get us started, here is a photo I did with natural light:
Camera: NIKON D200
Shutter Speed: 1/160 second
Aperture: F/5.6
ISO Speed: 100
Time Taken: 2:45:20 PM