1. Using Natural Light
in Photography
By Doris Meserole © 2010

2. Sun Light
When used properly is the best lighting source for photography
When used improperly can make a photo harsh or flat
See examples

3. Time of Day on a Sunny Day
Dawn and Dusk are considered the best time of day for outdoor photography
Middle of the day, the sun is directly overhead
Harsh shadows
Less diffusion since it travels through less atmosphere
Move subjects into an area of uniform shade if available

4. Sun Overhead
Harsh Shadows
Shadow under nose
Shadows under eyes

5. Cloudy and Overcast Days
Natures diffuser
Directionless sunlight
Minimal shadows
Best time for outdoor portraits

6. Direction of Sunlight Front Lighting Side Lighting Back Lighting
The sun is behind the photographer
Side Lighting
The sun is at an angle
Back Lighting
The sun is behind the subject

7. Front Lighting Best time to get a blue sky in the background
Minimal shadows
Less depth
Details are washed out
Ensure your shadow is not in the photo, unless you want it to be

8. Side Lighting Makes the photo look more three dimensional
Brings out texture

9. Side Lighting

10. Side Lighting

11. Back Lighting Can achieve spectacular results
Subject surrounded by a light corona
More difficult to get a great photo
Sun flare
Difficult exposure

12. Translucent Subjects Back lighting a translucent subject
Brings out details that might otherwise be hidden

13. Shadows Can add a dramatic effect
Unintentional self portraits can be a bonus or a unpleasant distraction

14. Experiment with Sunlight
Photograph a building or a plant at various times a day and compare the results
Take a portrait on a cloudy day and a clear day
Take a landscape portrait at various times a day
Use Black & White photography as you experiment, it refine your use of Sunlight