Tips & Hints for Photography in Natural Light

Front Lighting

• Front lighting is a technique used by most beginner photographers to capture a subject. By placing the light from the sun directly behind the photographer, the subject is fully illuminated. This technique is commonly used by wildlife photographers who want to capture every detail. On the other hand, front lighting should not be used when shooting a landscape portrait because the landscape will seem flat and the details will be washed out. Front lighting is also used to take architectural photographs, or any other photograph where details are of the utmost importance. If you are a beginner photograph, this can be a good technique because it is easiest to obtain the correct exposure.

Backlighting

• Backlighting is another way of using the natural light from the sun to create a certain effect. When backlighting, a photographer will place their subject directly in front of the sun's light, so the sun is in the background of the photograph. When shot correctly, a backlit photograph will give you a solid outline of an object against the sky. This can be achieved indoors as well by placing the person or object in front of a well-lit window. Backlighting is a bit more difficult to master, and you might have to bracket to get the best possible shot.

Side Lighting

• Side lighting is one of the preferred methods of shooting because it allows for more depth, texture and shadows. The effect from indirect side lighting outdoors is that it wraps the subject so there are no harsh shadows, and no details are lost. Flowers and people always benefit from the effects of side lighting. Side lighting can also be achieved indoors by placing a subject near a window so the light illuminates their features from the side. This effect will create shadows on certain areas of the face, which can add to the mood of the photograph.

Golden Hour

• The most important thing to note when using natural light is that timing is everything. The best time to shoot photographs in natural light is during the "Golden Hour" -- the first and last hour during sunrise and sunset. During these times, the sun will give off a beautiful golden hue that can turn an ordinary photograph into an extraordinary photograph. The light at this time of day is preferred because it is soft and indirect, unlike during the middle of the day. At this time you can capture all types of photographs that use natural light: front-lit, back-lit and side-lit.