Natural light portrait photography demands a subtle understanding of how light interacts with the environment. By learning to read and work with available light, you can turn challenging situations into opportunities to create captivating images that stand out from the crowd.
coming to you from martin castinThis practical video explores the basic principles of working with natural light in urban and natural settings. For example, instead of placing subjects with direct backlighting, Castin demonstrates how placing them at a 45 or 60 degree angle to the light source creates a more balanced effect. This technology maintains attractive rim light while preserving background detail and reducing unwanted glare. This approach gives you more control over the final image and helps maintain consistency during the shoot, especially in changing conditions. Working with indirect light also allows for more flexible positioning and easier exposure management.
Open shade presents one of the most versatile lighting scenarios for portrait work, providing soft, even lighting that flatters your subjects. When shooting in open shade, you have to consider the effect of the surrounding environment on your lighting. Building materials, grass, and nearby structures can reflect light and create color on your subject’s skin. Although these effects are often minimal, understanding how to identify and work around potential color contamination will improve your results. Castine shares specific strategies for managing these challenges, including considerations for optimal subject placement and timing in different climates.
The relationship between architectural elements and natural light creates unique opportunities for dramatic portraits. By learning to recognize how overhangs, tunnels and other structures shape and direct available light, you can find perfect lighting positions in common spaces. Urban environments offer particularly interesting possibilities, where artificial lighting can be incorporated as both an illumination source and visual element. The interplay between different light sources adds depth and dimension to your images, creating more attractive images. Watch the video above for Castin’s full breakdown.
