It seems like everyone is a photographer these days. So, what goes into taking an excellent photo using natural light?
Technological advances have made it easier than ever to take a nice image. Many people are choosing to shoot their photos outdoors instead of indoors with studio lighting. But is it as simple as running outside, snapping a quick photo, and going about your day? Well… yes and no. Let me explain.
At certain times of day in specific locations, you can take a decent photo without having to make many adjustments. However, any photographer who has worked with natural light for any amount of time will tell you that it often involves much more work and intentionality.
So, what is Natural Light Photography? Tune in as we dive into the different characteristics of natural light and a few tips on how to photograph with it.
What is Natural Light?
Put simply, natural light is the luminance we see from the Sun. Yup, it is that simple. Natural light is any brightness shining from the sun itself. It is the photographer’s job to work with the light they are given in any setting and on any type of day whether cloudy or sunny.
There are at least four basics characteristics of light. Knowing these helps the photographer focus in on their own style to achieve consistent photos either for the client or their own personal use.
Intensity
One important characteristic of the sun is its ever-changing intensity. Early in the morning as the sun is just rising, the world is cast in a soft, warm glow.
As the sun ascends higher in the sky, the brilliance and power grow in severity. The midday time is characterized by a bright sometimes intense light. As the sun sets in the sky at the end of the day, everything is seen through a golden light.
Color
Another crucial aspect of natural light is color. Throughout the day the color of light may change due to the position of the sun. The lower in the sky the sun is, the warmer the light will be.
Of course, there are other factors that affect the color temperature of a photo such as the background. Photos of playful penguins in their natural snow habitat will reflect a cooler tone on the photo due to the bright snow.
Conversely, if one is photographing a client in front of a red brick wall, the image will naturally reflect warmer tones as the sun is reflected off the wall.
On a side note, to learn how color temperature works in the lighting industry, click here.
Direction
Knowing the direction of your source of light is crucial when composing a photo. Depending on the subject and time of day, one may want their subject to stand in front of that source. At other times it is better for the subject to be turned towards the natural light.
The direction of light also determines what shadows will be cast at specific times. Understanding this will help any amateur or professional photographer increase the quality of their images.
Quality
Just as important as the others is the quality of the light. Again, this will change throughout the day as the earth completes its orbit around the sun.
Generally, this quality is thought of in terms of harsh or soft light. Images shot in the evening will usually have a warmer, softer glow than ones taken in the middle of a sunny day.
Different kinds of Natural Light Photography
Many kinds of photography are accomplished using natural light. Below are a few types:
- Landscape Photography
- Portrait Photography
- Macro Photography
- Nature Photography
While there are certain stereotypes when one thinks of these different kinds of photography, there are many variances and inventive ways of thinking and composing. Each photographer has their own style of portraying a subject and telling a story through that image.
Natural Light Photography Tips
There are pros and cons of shooting with natural light. Both natural and studio lighting have their own challenges.
Although each person has their own view of how the image should look, there are basic principles that will help determine the composition and quality of the photo.
Working with natural light is more difficult as it is harder to manipulate; when done well it can produce better results then if shooting with studio lighting.
With that being said, there are tools to help when the lighting may not be ideal.
Diffusers are one such tool that will assist in managing the light. If one is taking headshots outdoors at midday using a diffuser to disperse the harsh light evenly on the subject will make for a more consistent image.
Along with diffusers come reflectors, which perform the task of reflecting light from the sun onto the desired subject. If there are unwanted shadows, reflectors can be an amazing tool to fill in those areas with even light.
Depending on the subject it is oftentimes best to photograph in the evening. Portrait photographers especially love utilizing the phrase “golden hour” to describe the two hours before sunset when the light is at its softest.
Another reason why many choose this time of day is because of the natural shadows that are created by the direction of the sun.
Due to various styles of natural light photography, many like to photograph with high contrast light and dark in their images. Images shot on a bright afternoon will help achieve this result.
Conclusion
When thinking about improving the quality of your images, remembering the main characteristics of light and how to use those to your advantage will help both amateurs and professionals be more confident about their work.
If you are looking for a neat light bulb to match the soft evening light outdoors, see below:
