Experimenting With Lightby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 07 Sep 2009 07:08 AM Finding the perfect light for your photos is not always easy. This is especially true if you are shooting outdoors and are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Still, there are ways to capture frame worthy pictures with just the right light if you know how to work with the elements. The sun is the source of all natural light, so learning to work with sunlight is something photographers need to master. Rather, than fighting the sun's rays let them work for you. For example, if you are taking shots of your son playing in the sandbox at high noon (when the sun is directly overhead), you will likely get an image filled with harsh shadows and extreme contrast levels between light and dark colors. To eliminate the distracting shadows, try diffusing the light with a sheet. Another option is to reflect the light or partially block it with a wall or tree. Clouds act as a natural light diffuser. An overcast sky is a welcome sight to many outdoor photographers since this type of light yields less of a contrast between black and white colors. An overcast sky is also advantageous when taking pictures of people, since it helps reduce squinting. One of the best ways to comprehend the effect light has on photos is to experiment. Schedule an informal outdoor photo shoot. Begin by taking a shot of someone or something in the direct sun. Then, place the same subject in a shaded area and take another shot. Next, wait until some clouds roll in and take the same shot. You could also try taking a series of shots using a diffuser or reflector to soften the light. When you are done taking the shots, examine the results. Note the effect light had on each shot. This will give you a better understanding of how different lighting situations can enhance the mood of your photos. Related Articles: Snapping Frameworthy Shots Of Your Kids More Common Sense Tips To Capturing A Frame-Worthy Picture Common Sense Tips To Capturing Frame-Worthy Pictures Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantphotography tags User Comments Community Tags lighting, light, photography, photos Discuss this article
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