Utilizing Natural Light For Photography

Using natural light instead of artificial flash on consumer grade digital cameras can significantly improve your photos. With a little knowledge and some practice, your candid shots at home can look more like the pros! Whether your digital camera is a point-and-shoot or a SLR, using an in-body flash can cause your images to appear flat and produce harsh, distracting shadows.

First you will want to maximize the amount of available diffused light where you are shooting. If you are indoors - throw open the curtains and remove anything blocking the sunlight from filling the room. If you are outside, look up! Is it cloudy? Perfect! The clouds are diffusing the light for you. If its sunny, head for the shade where the light is diffused and not causing harsh shadows.

Second you will want to choose how you will position your subjects based on the light source. Front light means the light is hitting directly on the front of your subject. Side-light means the primary source of light is to the side, and back-light means it is coming from behind. Be sure to choose the best option that evenly lights the face and does not leave a significant portion of the subject in shadows. Those effects can be nice if used moderately, but for portrait work you will usually want an evenly lit subject.

Now you will want to experiment with your camera’s settings. Your shutter speed and aperture will need to be adjusted based on the composition you are aiming for as well as the amount of available light. If light is low, you will want a wide open aperture! If the light is quite bright, you might need to crank up your shutter speed for proper exposure.

Mollie Donovan Burpo

Mollie specializes in family portraits, children’s photography, and newborn photography in austin, texas. her photography is candid, modern, and fun! capture the growth and personalities in your family - visit http://www.photographyinbloom.com