Lesson 1: Basics Of Photography With Natural Lighting

Photography is the art of capturing images using a camera, but it’s not just about pointing and shooting. To take a great photograph, you need to have a good understanding of light and how it interacts with your subject. One of the most important aspects of photography is lighting, and natural lighting is a great place to start. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of photography with natural lighting.

1. Understand the direction of light The direction of light is crucial in photography. You need to understand how light falls on your subject and how it creates shadows. The direction of light can create depth, texture, and dimension in your images. Generally, the best time to shoot outdoors is during the golden hour, which is the first or last hour of sunlight. During this time, the light is soft, warm, and diffused, which can create stunning images.
2. Use the right settings To take a great photograph, you need to use the right settings on your camera. One of the most important settings is the ISO, which controls the camera’s sensitivity to light. You should keep your ISO as low as possible to avoid noise and grain in your images. The aperture is another essential setting that controls the depth of field in your images. You should use a wide aperture (low f-number) to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background.
3. Position your subject Positioning your subject is critical when using natural lighting. You need to make sure that your subject is facing the light source to avoid harsh shadows. If your subject is backlit, you can use a reflector to bounce light onto their face. You can also position your subject in the shade to create a softer, more even light.
4. Experiment with angles and perspectives To create unique and compelling images, you should experiment with different angles and perspectives. You can try shooting from a low angle or a high angle to create a different perspective. You can also move around your subject to find the best composition and framing.
5. Practice, practice, practice The best way to improve your photography skills is to practice. Take your camera with you wherever you go and experiment with different lighting situations. Try to take photos in different locations and at different times of the day. The more you practice, the more you will learn about lighting and how it affects your images.

In conclusion, natural lighting is a great way to start learning about photography. By understanding the direction of light, using the right settings, positioning your subject, experimenting with angles and perspectives, and practicing, you can take great photographs using natural lighting. Keep practicing and experimenting, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a great photographer!