How to use natural light in portrait photography?

It is very important for every photographer to use any available lighting flexibly. The premise is to understand the principle of light formation and the skills to achieve good results. Natural light is one of the most easily available light sources, but it is also one of the most difficult to control. You can't adjust the sunshine, you can only adapt to it. This article is how professional photographers make full use of natural light, which is worth learning.

First of all, there are several skills to use the camera correctly to help you take good photos. Focus on the model's eyes, because they attract the audience's attention first. Using manual focusing mode can eliminate the risk of error caused by autofocus. Don't be afraid to use an aperture-it will blur the background and help the photo stand out from the model.

There are several ways to get the light you need. If you plan to take pictures in the street, bring your mirror. This will help to present the key features of the model face and produce the softest light at the same time.

When the sun is behind the model, the reflector can form a luminous outline around the portrait and prevent the face from darkening. If the light is too bright, you can take photos in a dark place (at the top of a tree or in the shadow of a building). Make sure there is enough light and clear facial features before taking pictures.

Third, adjust according to the light conditions. Don't expect natural light to be the same in all cases. Its brightness and color temperature vary with weather, time and season. The light ranges from warm yellow to cool, with blue tones. Adapting to this different condition will help to adjust the white balance correctly. It is best to shoot in RAW format, because it is very easy to adjust the exposure in post-processing of photos.

Fourth, taking pictures at the right time In the process of portrait shooting, the choice of timing is very important. Professionals do not recommend shooting at noon; Direct sunlight will make shooting extremely difficult and lead to overexposure (unless it is cloudy). The best time to take pictures is in the morning (until noon), from 5 pm to 6 pm, when the sun is on the horizon. The light will soften and produce a long shadow.

Don't forget the shadow rule. Soft light will keep the object clear in dark areas, but it will make the object look flatter.

5. consider the purpose of shooting. Before you start taking pictures, make sure what you want to see in the picture and whether there is a specific plot. You need to know in advance whether you need additional props and equipment, which settings are better and which types of photography styles. If you want to improvise, the model had better bring some clothes, which can quickly change the image.

6. Choosing a shooting location If the shooting purpose is determined, it is no problem to choose a suitable shooting location for the subject. The shooting site should correspond to the theme of the photo. You can take family photos on the river banks, parks or other scenic spots. If the photography style is simple and serious, then the classic indoor room is suitable.

Maybe you want to show a business model-noisy big city centers and impressive modern buildings. A small dark room is suitable for creating an intimate atmosphere. Actively use anything around you-arches, columns, gates, sculptures and other elements that highlight the image style.

7. Choose the right shooting angle. When shooting outdoors, see where the sun is in the sky and where your model will be better. Let the model adjust slowly around her best position, so that you can see the light from all angles shining on an object.

Eight, use the sunlight falling from the window to make the image dramatic. Scattered lighting is conducive to emotional photography, especially when half of the face is in the shadow in portrait photography. The closer the object is to the light source (in this case, the window), the stronger the contrast between light and shadow. If the light is too bright, it is best to use ordinary curtains to disperse the light.

Nine, after practicing and learning the above photography skills, taking a good portrait of natural light is more about the use of experience. Only by practicing more can we achieve good results in portrait photography.