DAY 201

PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Using Natural Light

LOVE THE LIGHT YOU’RE WITH

When photographing outdoors, the sun is the source of your light. The qualities of the light change, depending on the time of day.

At midday, the sun is at its brightest and harshest. Most photographers prefer not to shoot at this time as the harsher light produces prominent shadows. Early morning or late afternoon light is less harsh, and the resulting shadows are not as prominent. An overcast, or cloudy day, is also preferred since the clouds diffuse the sunlight.

Photographing a subject in midday sun results in harsh shadows.

If you must photograph at midday, it is helpful to use your camera flash. Most cameras have a built-in flash, but better yet is an external flash that mounts on the camera or to the side of the camera on a bracket. This is commonly referred to as fill-flash since it is used as an additional source to fill in the shadows and soften the effects of the sunlight.

Another way to soften harsh sunlight is to take advantage of trees or sheltered areas. Placing your subject in shade will greatly lessen the effects of the midday sun. These photographs demonstrate the difference this will make.

It is always preferable to place your subjects with the sun at their back in order to keep your subjects from squinting from the glare of the sun. —CWN

Photographing a subject in a sheltered area eliminates harsh shadows.