How to use window light to take portraits

Introduction: Since the birth of portrait photography, photographers have begun to use the beautiful light coming from the window as the main light source in their works. The light from the window is both soft and directional. By adjusting the relationship between the subject and the window, we can intuitively appreciate this characteristic of the window light. It not only has soft light characteristics, but also can highlight the detailed undulations of the character's face.

The picture below shows a standard portrait shot using window light. The window is located on the right side of the picture, and the characters, illuminated by soft light, seem to emerge from the shadows of the background. The eyes are deep and seem to have a touch of sadness, conveying a rich sense of beauty.

This photo was taken using window light. The soft light pulls the characters out of the background, creating a quiet and soft atmosphere.

When shooting with window light, be careful to avoid windows with direct sunlight. There is no difference between standing in front of such a window and shooting in direct sunlight. The indirect light that has been reflected multiple times outdoors is the window light we really need to look for.

Sometimes, we can stand in front of the window and let the subject face us. Although such a large surface light is a bit flat, it can produce unexpected results when used to shoot female portraits. The soft and well-proportioned light leaves no room for shadows to hide, which can smooth and fade skin wrinkles, scars and other blemishes.

Suggestions

Pay attention to the distribution of light and shadow falling on the subject’s face. The light from the window is relatively stable, so we can spend more time adjusting the subject's posture and finding the most suitable light angle when shooting.

Don’t let the subject stand too close to the window. If the window is large, when we let the subject stand in front of the window, the light from the window will gradually take on the flavor of top light, casting deep shadows under the subject's eyes. Ask the subject to stand further away from the window so that the light is gentler and the shooting effect is better.

Window backlighting

If your studio or location has a large floor-to-ceiling window, it may be able to bring you a light effect that is on par with high-end fashion works. Let the model stand in front of the window, use the character's face and skin tone as a reference to expose, so that the background is completely overexposed. The light surrounding the model will give the photo the perfect stylish feel.

The light lingering around the model can bring enough illumination to the character, and in many cases we don’t even need a reflector. But sometimes, you still have to use silver reflectors to control light and balance exposure. The sunlight coming from the window is the only source of light used in the picture above. The picture is crisp and impactful.

Window and Curtain

If you want to create a more dramatic effect with natural light, this is a desirable solution.

Find a window with good lighting conditions and thick curtains. Close the curtains, leaving only a small ray of sunlight, and let the model stand in it. The picture below is a work shot using this ray of light from the curtains, from which we can appreciate its powerful visual impact.

This concentrated and narrow light can give the picture a rich and dramatic effect, and is especially suitable for photographing male subjects. But you can also get good results when photographing women.

Note

Only thicker curtains can achieve the light effects described above. If the curtains are thin, light may enter the room through the curtains, and the effect will not be as obvious as in the example seen above. If you like the translucent effect of thinner curtains, it's best to choose curtains in a neutral color. If the curtains are green, then the light entering the room through the curtains is also green, which will bring an obvious green color cast to the picture.