Dealing with light, a challenge or a problem?
Amateur and professional photographers are constantly looking to improve, to learn new techniques and tricks in order to create amazing photos. In this process, mastering light plays a crucial role, as light has the power to reinvent a landscape or a portrait and to create a fascinating appearance of the subject. The same light source may look entirely different when captured on the camera, depending on the intensity, on the lenses and on the angles. The only true way to master this delicate subject is to go to courses organized by a reputable school of photography where you can learn directly from professionals, but trial and error can also teach you a lot.
When it comes to natural light, the time of day, the way you point the camera at the subject, as well as the weather influences its effect on your photos. Even though any course of photography for beginners mentions the importance of light, only time and practice will help you achieve the knowledge and the "sense of light" that will truly enhance the beauty of your photos.
What to avoid and what to seek when it comes to natural light?
Although sunsets and sunrises are perceived as fascinating phenomena by human nature, these dramatic moments can augur ill for photographers, as they usually maximize the risk of colour clipping. In order to avoid this effect, make sure that the colour saturation isn't overly conservative.
The least desirable type of natural light is considered to be the midday lighting, which could never compete with the diffuse light in the morning. Annoyingly strong and neutral, midday light is often avoided by professional photographers.
Why should you choose diffused lighting?
Once the light source is modified (either by a cloud or by a scrim of fog), the result is diffused lighting which instantly creates a subtle atmosphere and minimizes the contrast. The photographer's main resource, light, can be wisely used not only outdoors, but also indoors. In this case, you can create the reflection of light onto the darkened side of the face by placing a poster board in the proximity of the subject. Thus, the impression of depth will enhance the quality of the photos.
Taking control of the light
Before capturing an image on the camera, the first step is to attentively observe some physical facts about the light: where is it coming from, how does it influence the contrast, where are the shadows and highlights? Also, consider the importance of the direction of light, especially when you shoot translucent objects, which usually look better when back-lit.
Apart from choosing the best moments of the day to take photographs, which is less than a full hour total duration, a photographer should use scrims or reflectors to block or add some light to the composition. Moreover, the direction of light can create shadows and influence the depth of the subject's appearance.
With the light coming from one side of the subject, both texture and contours will gain in depth. Shooting at noon, when light is really strong and quite annoying, causes unaesthetic shadows under the nose and the chin.
As for the techniques that offer more control over the light you can use three tools that are the best friend of every photographer: the perfect exposure - which is a combination of shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Attempt to perfectly balance these three key ingredients and you will create breathtaking photography. And if you want to learn how to handle lighting conditions like a professional, check out the photography for beginners - PhotoIonSchool courses held by professional photographers who know exactly what to teach you so that you improve fast.
