Photography is all about light. By its nature, photography requires precise and effective control of light and how it brings subjects to life. A poorly lit shot can be disastrous or ruin the mood of a photo. Too poor the lighting, and a shot might not even be possible. So when light is so important, what can we do to make sure it is just right? Here are a few helpful guidelines you can follow to help make your perfect shot.
1. Play To the Light’s Strengths
Whatever your light may be, natural or artificial, it will always be different. Take the time to understand how the scene is lit when composing and be aware of shadow casts. Always be aware of the effect the light will have on the photo. For example, softer light will create a different mood than harsh light.
2. Balance Your Exposure
No matter what your scene is, you’ll need to have some control over the light using your camera. If you aren’t setting your exposure automatically, always meter the scene if you are unsure of what light level you are shooting in. Creating a balanced exposure that captures detailed highlight and shadow values is great for improving the technical quality of your shot. Try exposure bracketing if you’re still struggling to hit the mark.
3. Let the Light Frame Your Subject
Let’s be honest, light can be beautiful, but it can also be chaos to try to shoot in. But what’s important is letting the light frame your subject in a fitting way. Try to find interesting ways to use light and shadow to frame and position your subject, and you might find yourself with a stellar composition.
4. Make Adjustments to Enhance the Light
Not every light is perfect, and the same goes for when you need to add light to a scene, like a studio setting. If you’re planning on using studio lighting, understand how to use lights and position them to build a compelling scene. If you want to learn more about studio lighting, read here.
5. When All Else Fails, Try Flash
Sometimes the light your scene provides just isn’t enough. Whether you have an on-camera flash or off-camera, using a flash can be a great way to help illuminate a scene. Keep in mind that flash provides harsh light and will portray the scene differently compared to natural light. However, the effects of flash can be very beneficial, so don’t be too quick to rule it out!
We hope these tips helped you on your photography journey. If you need any more help, check out more of our articles, or over here for more lighting tips!
