LIGHTS, camera……action! There is a reason they say ‘lights’ first in film. Without light, the subject cannot be seen. In photography, the quality of light can make or break a photo. Lighting is one of the most important elements in capturing a great image. The worst time to photograph is at high noon on a sunny day and your subject is being lit from above (yucky raccoon eyes, harsh shadows, etc…so unpleasant). I am always looking for soft/diffused light. When photographing outside, look for areas of open shade (under a tree where the sky can still be seen (not in a forest of trees….too dark). So, if it is a sunny day, get your subject(s) under a tree, by a building, or under an overhang. Another thing to avoid when under a tree is dappling of the leaves (you don’t want shadows of leaves on their face either). If there is no available shade, use an umbrella or a sheet to diffuse the light. When the clouds roll in, it is a natural diffusion of the sun. Below is an example of harsh vs. soft light. I took these pictures (minutes apart) of my daughter last year while we were camping. I had her move in a shaded area and achieved wonderful soft/even light. Note: Sometimes you can use harsh light to your advantage in some situations. But, know the rules before you break them. =)
If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for a tip, please leave your comment below and maybe I will use your question in an upcoming post. Next post will be on the ‘Golden Hour.’ Happy shooting!