Tip Tuesday – Using Natural Light – Look Out the Window

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – PUT THAT FLASH AWAY!!!! =)

My favorite light to use for capturing images is natural light. Window light provides a great source of light. My kids are pretty trained now to face the windows when I take their pictures inside. :)

What I like about window light compared to direct sun light is that window light is slightly diffused. It is not such a harsh light on your subject.

Here is a shot of my adorable model DJ with his back to the window..

Do you see how his edges are kind of “glowing”? But his face is so dark and shadowed?

I then moved him so he was sitting facing the window

Now his face is lit up and every freckle can be seen. =)

Isn’t this light much more flattering?

Both images were shot with a 50mm 1.8 lens with the following settings:
ISO 200
f 1.8
1/125

Without changing the settings, but moving the subject to face the window, made a tremendous difference in lighting.

My next model was not so cooperative, but he was cute so I will share his backlit and front lit images anyway. HEEHEE

Backlit -

Front lit -

 

Settings for each image were:

ISO 200
f 1.8
1/40

You can still see the difference in the tones of the image just by having him face the window.

Try this and email me what you capture. I would love to see it! (MRS@MRS-Photography.com).