The Right Light
First off, a huge cyber hug for everyone who answered my call for help yesterday! You’ve all made my anxiety for our long plane ride a little better and I will be hitting up our local dollar store and Target this week. THANK YOU!!!
Today’s question comes from Paige. She asks:
So my question is what is the best time of day to take pictures, I know lighting is key in getting some great pictures, and is it better to take pictures on an overcast day or a sunny type of day? Thanks again for making this rockin& site!!!
Thanks for your question Paige! For indoor pictures the best time will vary. You just have to find the time of day where you get a nice, soft even light. If you are seeing a harsh shadow on your subjects face then it is not the right time. If it is too dark and you’re having to bump up your ISO then that’s not the right time either. I believe my windows face west and I get good light anywhere between 9:30 and 11am and then again in the late afternoon.
For outdoor shoots I always try and shoot as close to sunset as possible. Some photographers will also shoot right before or after sunrise, but that’s just way too early for me! I avoid midday light at all costs. It’s too harsh and it’s just not pretty. If I do have to shoot midday I will find open shade to place my subjects under in order to avoid the harsh light.
When shooting outdoors before sunset I always have my subjects back to the sun. This gives my subjects nice rim lighting. And I love a little sun flare every now and again as well! Here are some examples:
If it’s an overcast day even better! The light isn’t as fun, but you can go wherever you’d like at whatever time and have relatively even light. I will usually face my subjects towards where the sun would be.
Hope that helps!
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
And a huge cyber hug to you too for sharing all your wonderful knowledge! I always love reading your question and answer post. They are priceless!
Jessica’s last blog post..KAYDEN IN MOTION
I LOVE MOMTOG!!!
Navy Sou’s last blog post..Mya Monday
Oh I still LOVE that 2nd pix! I remember loving it when you first posted it, and i am loving it all over again!
Bobbie Brown’s last blog post..Kennedy Week 27
Oh, I am just melting over that beautiful backlighting and sunflare! Gorgeous!
drew: love your work and love the momtog blog! got a question though — when shooting into the sun, how do you (without using a flash) ensure you get enough fill light on the subject’s face and not silhouette them out? thanks!
Drew…I have a crush on your blog, I just found it after reading the howerton’s blog. I’m a growing photographer, natural light. I just got a used 5D after using a rebel xti for a few years. I love the way you shoot into the sun, but your subjects get such good details on the faces. I echo the question above…what settings do you use to get such great sun flare, but also good exposure of your subjects?