Lucas

Here at Your Photo Tips we often talk about using flash to enhance the overall beauty of your image by allowing you, as a photographer, to control and manipulate light. I don’t think, however, that I’ve explained that if you are using a point and shoot with on-camera flash you are probably, in fact, making your pictures look worse!

Turn Off That Flash

With on-camera flash we get “flattened” images. This is because a direct flash from the front of a camera removes shadows, especially in faces, that may otherwise create drama and dimension. Most film and digital point and shoot cameras come with the option to disable or turn off the flash. Do this right now. If you don’t know how then I suggest reading your camera manual and figuring it out. If your camera does not allow for this option then I suggest you stop reading this article on photography and buy a new camera. I’ll wait…

Nature Knows Best

The best time of day for shooting pictures is magic hour, you know those couple of hours right after sunrise or just before sunset. While some of the beauty in the light comes from the “glow” and “warmth” that the hemisphere produces, the second half is the drama that that the shadows produce. The sun is at an angle to everything you see during these times allowing for everything to have more dimension to our eyes. This happens because those precious shadows help to enhance texture and shape.

Using Natural Light Outdoors

Take advantage of the sun’s angle to move yourself or your subject and see where shadows end up. This is great practice whether you have your camera handy or not (you do have your camera with you at all times right?). Use the natural light and the shadows to sculpt your subject creating interest and flare. Easiest way to start is by having your subject (perfect for portraits) facing at a 45 degree angle to the sun. Then have them turn slowly back and forth and watch the shadows.

Using Natural Light Indoors

This is where a giant window in your home pays dividends. This can be done with or without the use of a diffuser curtain and can produce wonderfully Rembrandt style dramatic lighting sure to please any grandparent. Practice moving your subject at different distances and at different angles to the window while you do the same and you’re sure to come out with some very pleasing results.

Photograph Lucas by fabio kotinda. See more of Fabio’s amazing photography at his website. You’ll be glad you did.