By Doris Meserole © 2010 Using Natural Light in Photography

Sun Light When used properly is the best lighting source for photography When used improperly can make a photo harsh or flat See examples y_tutorial_available_light.php y_tutorial_available_light.php y_tutorial_available_light.php

Time of Day on a Sunny Day Dawn and Dusk are considered the best time of day for outdoor photography Middle of the day, the sun is directly overhead –Harsh shadows –Less diffusion since it travels through less atmosphere –Move subjects into an area of uniform shade if available

Sun Overhead Harsh Shadows –Shadow under nose –Shadows under eyes

Cloudy and Overcast Days Natures diffuser –Directionless sunlight –Minimal shadows Best time for outdoor portraits

Direction of Sunlight Front Lighting –The sun is behind the photographer Side Lighting –The sun is at an angle Back Lighting –The sun is behind the subject

Front Lighting Best time to get a blue sky in the background Minimal shadows –Less depth –Details are washed out Ensure your shadow is not in the photo, unless you want it to be

Side Lighting Makes the photo look more three dimensional Brings out texture

Side Lighting

Back Lighting Can achieve spectacular results Subject surrounded by a light corona More difficult to get a great photo –Sun flare –Difficult exposure

Translucent Subjects Back lighting a translucent subject –Brings out details that might otherwise be hidden

Shadows Can add a dramatic effect Unintentional self portraits can be a bonus or a unpleasant distraction

Experiment with Sunlight Photograph a building or a plant at various times a day and compare the results Take a portrait on a cloudy day and a clear day Take a landscape portrait at various times a day Use Black & White photography as you experiment, it refine your use of Sunlight