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How to: Photograph Using Natural Light
Tips & Images © Damion Fearron
Tip #1) Choosing the light
If you’re looking for the best source of natural light than look no further than the sun. The suns glow during sunrise and sunset can make for some really nice light to enhance your photos. Keep in mind that natural light from the sun changes depending on the time of day and the weather. The Sun’s glow during sunrise and sunset is softest. The golden hour or blue hours are perfect times to pick up your camera and take some photos. Experiment until you get the look in your photos that you desire.
© Damion Fearron
Tip #2) Planning
If changes in weather and or the light from the sun are your concern, you can find ways to make the best of the situation. With the weather ever changing from clear sunny day to suddenly overcast and cloudy you can overcome these things and take advantage of the moment.
If you’re really worried about the weather suddenly turning and ruining conditions for your photo, it’s all a matter of making the most of what nature presents you in the moment.
Cloudy skies are no reason at all to call off a photo adventure. Actually, cloudy and overcast skies will allow you to have a dramatic effect in your photos and make them more profound. Also, the clouds can eliminate shadows and make the light softer, it would be a matter of preference for your creativity. However, it’s also a good idea to check out weather forecasts before you head out the door. So, plan to maneuver around these situations.
© Damion Fearron
Tip #3) Make the most of the golden hour or blue hour
Playing around with natural light will help to understand how it works. You can also figure out how it will look in your image, get out and shoot different lighting scenarios, and make the most of the weather.
Planning your golden hour or blue hour photo adventure will start with knowing the time it will take place. You can find what time the sun will rise and set on any weather website.
Knowing the exact time the sun reaches the horizon is helpful. You may plan to be there an hour before and stay up to thirty minutes after.
© Damion Fearron
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