As a photographer, you know that lighting is one of the most critical aspects of taking a perfect shot. Whether you're capturing stunning wedding photos or family portraits, lighting can play a significant role in transforming your images. You can create a soft, dreamy look or a high-energy, dramatic effect with the right lighting conditions. In this blog post, we will share four lighting priorities that you need to have to transform your images. So, let's get started!
- Put Your Clients in Open Shade
When you take photos in bright sunlight, it can create harsh shadows and uncomfortable squinting. But that doesn't mean you should cancel your outdoor shoot. Instead, try putting your clients in open shade. It will create a soft, diffused light that doesn't cast shadows. Whether it's a tree, a building, or another object, find a spot that offers a natural shade. Not only will your clients be more relaxed, but the result will be stunningly beautiful.
- Make Sure They Have Even Light Head to Toe
When you're doing a full-body portrait, make sure your clients have even light from head to toe. This means the upper and lower parts of their body should receive equal light. If the upper part of the body is too bright while the bottom part is dark, it can ruin the shot. To achieve even lighting, use reflectors or diffuse light sources such as umbrellas or softboxes.
- Ensure the Background Has Even Light
If you're shooting against a bright background, it can create a halo effect around your clients, which can be distracting. To avoid this, make sure the background has even light. You can use reflectors or a low-powered light source to achieve this. By eliminating distracting backgrounds, you can draw attention to your clients and their emotions.
- Make Sure the Background Is Not Distracting From the Client
While it's essential to have a good background, it shouldn't steal the spotlight from your subjects. Avoid busy backgrounds with distracting elements that might compete with your clients' focus. Apart from that, consider shooting with a wide-open aperture to blur the background and create a smooth, creamy bokeh effect. Ultimately, the background should complement your clients, not overpower them.
As a photographer, paying attention to these four lighting priorities can make a significant difference in the outcome of your images. They allow you to capture stunning photos regardless of the location, time of day, or skin tone of your clients. Putting your clients in open shade, making sure they have even light from head to toe, ensuring the background has even light, and avoiding distracting backgrounds are simple ways to elevate your skills as a photographer. Try them out, experiment with lighting, and watch your images transform into works of art!