Using Natural Ligth Wisely in Photography

Austrian Alps at Golden Hour
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 500 - f/4.5 - 1/160 sec

Photography is an art that involves capturing the beauty of the world around us. One of the most important aspects of photography is light. In fact, without light, there can be no photography. Natural light is one of the most beautiful and versatile sources of light for photography. In this blog post, we will explore how to use natural light wisely in photography.

Understanding Natural Light

Natural light is the light that comes from the sun, the moon, and the stars. It can be direct or indirect, and it changes throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. Understanding the different types of natural light is essential in photography.

Diffused Light

Diffused light is soft, even light that results from light being scattered in different directions. This is often caused by clouds, fog, or other atmospheric conditions that break up the direct light from the sun. Diffused light can be very flattering in photography, as it eliminates harsh shadows and can create a very natural-looking image. It can be a great option for portrait photography, as it can create a very soft and even light on the subject's face. However, it can also result in less contrast and less definition in the image, so it's important to use it wisely and experiment with different types of light to find the best option for your photography. You can find diffused light in three natural environments: during the golden hour, the blue hour, and when it is overcast.

Golden Hour

The golden hour is a truly magical time of day for photography. It is a fleeting moment shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and imbued with a golden glow. This light can create stunning effects in your images, illuminating your subject with a warmth that is difficult to achieve at any other time of day. In fact, many professional photographers swear by the golden hour, as it is a great opportunity to capture landscape photographs, portraits, and candid shots that truly capture the beauty and magic of the world around us.

During the golden hour, the warm light can create a beautiful contrast between light and shadow, and can make colors pop in a way that is simply breathtaking. For landscape photographers, this is a particularly exciting time, as the soft, warm light can transform even the most ordinary scenes into something truly special. From sweeping vistas to intimate details, the golden hour can help you create images that are both beautiful and evocative.

But it's not just landscape photographers who can benefit from the golden hour. Portrait photographers also love this time of day, as the soft, flattering light can create stunningly beautiful images of their subjects. Whether you're taking photos of a loved one, a friend, or a client, the golden hour is a great time to capture their beauty and personality in a way that is truly unique.

In short, the golden hour is a time when photographers can truly let their creativity shine. It's a time to explore the world around us, to capture moments of beauty and magic that might otherwise go unnoticed. So the next time you're out with your camera, be sure to keep an eye out for that magical time of day when the light is just right. You might be surprised at what you're able to capture!

Blue Hour

The blue hour, also known as the magic hour, is a special time for photography enthusiasts. It occurs twice a day, shortly before sunrise or after sunset, when the sky is filled with a beautiful blue light that creates a unique and moody atmosphere. The blue hour is a time when photographers can capture the beauty of the world around us in a way that is both captivating and mesmerizing.

During the blue hour, the light is blue and cool, creating a beautiful atmosphere that lasts only a short time. The combination of the blue light and artificial city lights can create stunning effects, making the cityscape look almost otherworldly. The blue hour is a great time to capture cityscapes and night photography, as the blue light can add a beautiful contrast and depth to the image.

In addition to cityscapes, the blue hour is also a great time to capture landscapes, seascapes, and portraits. The blue light can create a soft and ethereal effect on the subject, making the image look dreamy and peaceful. It's a great time to experiment with different types of lighting and find the best option for your photography.

One of the benefits of shooting during the blue hour is that the light is much softer and more even than during the day. This means that you can avoid harsh shadows and highlight details that would be lost during the day. The blue hour is also a time when you can capture long exposures, creating a beautiful motion blur effect on moving objects such as water or clouds.

Overall, the blue hour is a time when photographers can truly capture the beauty and magic of the world around us. With a bit of practice and patience, you can create stunning images that are both captivating and mesmerizing. The blue hour is a reminder that even the most ordinary moments can be transformed into something extraordinary with the right lighting and perspective. So grab your camera and capture the magic of the blue hour!

Overcast Light

Overcast light is a weather phenomenon that occurs when the sky is covered in clouds, which can create a soft and diffused light. This type of weather can be great for capturing portraits and macro photography, as it can produce a flattering and even light source. Additionally, overcast skies can create a moodier and more dramatic atmosphere in your shots, which can be ideal for certain types of photography, such as landscape or architectural photography. Moreover, overcast light can also help to reduce harsh shadows and highlights, making it easier to capture a well-balanced exposure. So, next time you see an overcast sky, don't be afraid to grab your camera and start shooting!

Using Natural Light in Photography

Using natural light in photography requires a bit of practice and patience. Here are some tips on how to use natural light wisely in photography:

Find the Best Light

Partially clouded at golden hour
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 160 - f/5 - 1/400 sec

When it comes to using natural light in photography, finding the right light is crucial. One way to do this is to look for soft, diffused light. This can be found in shaded areas, or on overcast days when the light is more evenly distributed. Conversely, harsh, direct light can create unappealing shadows and overly bright highlights, which can be distracting and take away from the overall look of the photo.

In addition to finding the right type of light, it's also important to consider the time of day when you're taking your photos like at golden or blue hour. Experimenting with different types of natural light can also open up a world of creative possibilities. For example, you might try shooting during a thunderstorm, when the lightning can create stunning natural backlighting. Or, you might try shooting at night with the light of the moon or stars to create a dreamy, ethereal effect.

So, while finding the best light is certainly key to using natural light in photography, there are many other factors to consider as well. By experimenting with different types of light and being mindful of the time of day, you can create truly stunning photos that capture the beauty of the natural world.

Position Your Subject

Side Light at Golden Hour
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 100 - f/2.8 - 1/1000 sec

When using natural light in photography, there are different ways to position your subject to take advantage of the light. You can shoot with backlight, side light or frontlight. For example, backlighting can create a beautiful halo effect around your subject, while side lighting can create depth and texture in your image. Front lighting is the most common and straightforward option, but it can result in a flat image with less dimension. Experimenting with different types of lighting can help you find the best option for your photography and create stunning images.

Back light at golden hour
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 320 - f/11 - 1/80 sec

Tip #1: Shoot in RAW

Shooting in RAW allows you to have more control over the final image. RAW files contain more information and can be edited more easily in post-processing. This is especially important when working with natural light, as it can be unpredictable.

TIP #2: underwater the light is always soft

Underwater light is always diffused
Canon EOS 5D IV + Canon EF 24-70mm @24mm f/2.8 L III IS/ ISO 1600 - f/22- 1/160 sec + AquaTech Housing

Conclusion

One of the most important elements in photography is the use of natural light. By using natural light, you can create images that are unique and captivating. However, knowing how to use natural light effectively can be a challenge. There are different types of natural light, including direct sunlight, diffused light, and backlight. Each type of light has its own unique characteristics and can be used to create different moods and effects in your images.

Direct sunlight is the most common type of natural light and can be quite harsh, casting strong shadows and creating areas of high contrast. However, with the right techniques, you can use direct sunlight to your advantage, creating powerful images with dramatic lighting.

Diffused light, on the other hand, is much softer and more even. It is created when the sunlight is scattered by clouds or other objects, creating a more gentle and natural-looking light. This type of light is often used in portrait photography, as it produces flattering and luminous skin tones.

Backlight is another type of natural light that can be used to create stunning images. It occurs when the light source is behind the subject, creating a halo effect around them. This type of lighting can be used to create a sense of depth and to highlight the subject's silhouette.

By understanding the different types of natural light and how to use them, you can elevate your photography to a whole new level. With a bit of practice and patience, you can create stunning images that capture the beauty of the world around us and tell a story through the use of light.

Personally, I always try to avoid direct light on my subject because it can cause harsh shadows with bright highlights. Although you may not be able to choose the light when capturing a moment, you can choose the light direction and use it to convey what you want. For example, if you are shooting during the golden hour, you can move to a different perspective and use back light to create a dreamier picture (although back light can reduce contrast).