Natural Light in Photography
Light deeply affects how a person perceives the environment and what emotions he feels. For example, light is the most important factor in feeling emotions such as freshness, chaos and comfort in an environment. We also achieve visual clarity thanks to light.
A good photo creates composition, story, colors and most importantly expressing emotions. However, light is very important in photography and it is not possible to create a good image and express emotions without understanding and using light correctly. It is the light that gives the whole mood and depth of photography.
Natural light from the sun is the most commonly used light source in photography. Therefore, learning the seasonal and daily changes of the sun and the quality of light at different times and places is a great advantage when shooting in natural environments.
The weather and the time frame are the two factors that most affect the intensity and quality of natural light. The movement of the sun and clouds during the day changes the light. It has different levels of contrast and saturation that affect our photos around the clock. As with all other forms of light, it can be soft, hard or occasional. It is important to understand how these different types of light are affected by a photograph taken in that light. Therefore, the first step in controlling natural light is to carefully plan the shooting time.Natural light from the sun is the most commonly used light source in photography. Therefore, learning the seasonal and daily changes of the sun and the quality of light at different times and places is a great advantage when shooting in natural environments.
As the sun rises from the horizon after sunrise, an intense white light begins to dominate. In a clear sky, as the sun approaches the peak, the light hardens and the contrast between the light and dark areas increases. The shadows are short, deep and sharp. Shadows are very important to define a topic. Short shadows can reduce the depth of the object we want to photograph, making it appear flat. In hard light portraits, the shadows on the face of the model are generally not preferred because they are not aesthetically pleasing. Although the conditions for shooting are thought to be difficult, it can provide opportunities to create stunning photographs when we find suitable subjects.
Perhaps the most beautiful light of the day is the golden hours just after sunrise and just before sunset. It is easier to get photos that are properly exposed and have soft shadows, as the intensity from the sun decreases at these times. The sky is like a canvas to show the first and last light of the day. The light is quite soft during this time period when the sun is the lowest. It also offers a pleasant level of contrast and warm colors. Shadows are long and majestic. These shadows also contribute to the identification of the object and the depth of the photograph. This gorgeous soft light on the gold watches is perfect for portraits and landscapes. The sun rises rapidly at sunrise. If there is an open air, then the light can harden very quickly.
Diffused light is an equal light intensity, very soft. It does not come from one direction, the shadows are not apparent. There is not much difference between light and dark areas. The best example of this is cloudy days. Rainy and cloudy days, sometimes boring, may actually mean perfect daylight for outdoor portraits. Also scattered light can give a peaceful and calm feeling to the photo frame. If clouds are low and dense, they are more likely to overprint colors. Since the color tones on cloudy days are colder, it is more important to adjust the white balance correctly under these conditions.
To show the subject clearly, it is necessary to know the direction of the light well. The sun, which is the source of natural light, can come from the front, back or side of our object during the day.
Since the light coming from the back of the photographer directly illuminates the subject, an image that is pleasant, clear and without disturbing shadows is obtained. It is especially effective in capturing naturalness in memorial photographs. Makes colors look more vivid. The softer the light, the better the results with the front light.
When our object is located in the middle of the light and the photographer, we can say that it is backlit. When the sun is directly behind the object, the object darkens and creates an interesting contrast. Silhouette is a great light for creating shadows and creative light flares.
Very different results can be achieved when light comes from only one side of the object. Shadows on the opposite side, depending on the position of the light, perfectly reveal the textures and shapes in the objects. This allows objects to be displayed in three dimensions. It can also help to emphasize emotion and depth in portraits when used well.
The temperature of our light also varies according to the season, time of day and weather. Sunlight and atmosphere colors form together. The color temperature of the light used in the photograph greatly affects the mood of the image. In the middle of the day, the light is bluish white, while at sunrise and sunset it is warmer and more yellow. Warm colors evoke more relaxed and happy feelings than in the middle of the day. However, in the twilight, the sky is quite blue, and colder colors have a more pessimistic and sad feel.
The camera cannot perceive colors as well as our eyes. The white balance adjusts the way the camera is sighted and allows us to control the tones of the light during operation. By adjusting the white balance to the light, we can shoot without losing the desired color characteristics.
Using natural light doesn't mean we can only shoot outside. We can also produce beautiful images by using the light from the surrounding windows. In this case, the size of the windows will affect the light coming to the object. A larger window can create a softer light, while a smaller window can create a more dramatic and directional light.
In fact, there is no such thing as bad light. The light is suitable for the shooting we want or not. Different lighting conditions and situations are suitable for different photo types. After all, there is a situation and affect for every light. We can't change the weather conditions, but we can change our approach to taking photographs. The important thing is how we use light to our advantage. If we cannot adjust our time according to the results we want to achieve, we must be prepared for all situations and be able to adapt to the available light.
Natural light emphasizes the beauty of everything it touches. Establishes a connection between the subject and the environment and connects the two. In order to achieve a feeling that can only be achieved with natural light, it is necessary to learn how to best use the light, to observe and practice.
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