Photo Tip #120: Using Existing Natural Light in Photos

Outdoor Light
Shooting outdoors provides a variety of different natural light, and the natural light outdoors can be used either as your primary or secondary light source. The best time to shoot outside is when the sun is close to the horizon, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. When it is overhead, it shines directly down on your subjects, creating more shadows. But, you can still get a great shot in the full sun by redirecting, moving or reflecting the light. Place the sun behind your subjects so they don't squint. Also, use a reflector to bounce the light onto them. You can buy a reflector at your local photo store, or just use a white foam core board. The reflector acts like a mirror by redirecting the light from behind your subjects onto them. White fences or white houses can act as light reflectors as well. You can also shoot in the shade to reduce the full sun; place your camera, subjects, or both in the shade.

Indoors
During the day, you can use existing natural light indoors instead of or in addition to your flash. The best way to do this is to shoot near an open window, but not necessarily directly in front of it, unless you want a silhouette shot. Place your subjects near a window with sunlight coming in, preferably not the direct sun or sun rays. North facing windows are often best, but any window will work. The light coming in through a window is typically softer than the full sun light outside.

This light is especially great for softer photos of kids or babies, or for portraits. If possible, use transparent fabric on the window to soften the light. Colored fabric can also provide a color tone to your photo. Then, place a reflector on the opposite side of your subject, so the light from the window is hitting your subject from one side and bouncing back off the reflector to light the subject from the other side.

Digi's Site Tip
Sometimes, the best lit photos still need some post production work to really make them perfect. Use a free photo editing tool to adjust your photo's brightness, color, and saturation to experiment with different looks for the photo. Save multiple copies to see what you like best.