The versatility of natural light is undeniable; captured in the right way, it can enhance a variety of photographic styles – and not just outdoors. The accessibility and affordability of this natural source make it a favourite among photographers of all levels. Moreover, it offers the ability to imbue photographs with ambience and emotion, allowing you to add a story to your images. As an extra benefit, being out in this light offers a healthy dose of vitamin D, which boosts the immune system and clears the mind.
Nevertheless, working with natural light is one of the most challenging aspects of photography, as it is constantly influenced by the seasons, the time of day and the weather. So, a fundamental understanding of light quality is essential to showcase its characteristics aesthetically. When working with natural light, you quickly realise that it requires not only thinking with your head but also thinking on your feet so that you can use it in a controlled way. The saying ‘the early bird gets the worm’ could not be more accurate – you will need to get ahead of the sun and venture out into nature even before it appears to catch the intense morning light with boosting colours and expressive dynamics.
Over the next few pages, we will highlight key elements of working with natural light to show what is possible with this source. We will explore the facets and effects of this light and learn how to use it expertly for your images.
Expose for impact
Ditch your camera’s automatic exposure and instead learn how to balance natural light
VISUALISE EXPOSURE
One way to understand exposure values is to use the Exposure Donut (Expodo) app. Here F, SS and ISO are presented in coloured arcs showing how settings affect brightness and visual appearance. The app is available for smartphones and will help you calculate exposure on your DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Nowadays, most modern cameras are equipped with advanced technology that enables them to handle different types of lighting and scenery automatically. This makes it tempting for many photographers who are just starting out to rely on the camera’s automatic exposure calculation and focus on other important aspects
