Let’s start from the beginning. What is the most important thing in a good photograph? Well, aside from an interesting story, of course …

Light! It is the work of light and shadow that adds a mood to your photo, tells the story and makes it interesting.
When I became interested in photography I was looking through pictures of famous photographers and noticed that the better you understand the light, the more interesting your pictures will be. But where to get professional stroblight, if you have enough money only for the camera?
It turns out that light is everywhere! And the sun — a great source of light if you know how to use it.
So, today I’d like to share with you some tricks about how to find and use natural soft light.
So, let’s say you are traveling, and, as you walk around the city, someone asks you to take a picture of him (her). The main issue for you as a photographer is how to use almost any location to get an interesting photo?
In fact, everything is very simple:  The place where the light fades into the shadow is the best place to shoot. I call it «Fading light».
Let’s look at an example:

Ok, let’s say we found a place. Now we need to understand how the light will interact with our model in this place. David Hobby (strobist.blogspot.com) gives a very good idea of ​​how to check the light on the location before you put your model in place: Use your hand! The relief on your hand gives you an idea of ​​how light and shadow will work on the models face and body.

For example:

Now let’s see what happens if you put a model instead of hand.

See how easy to add drama to your photos?
But what if you don’t want such strict dramatic shadows? Ok, use a reflector (or anything else you like. For example a sheet of white paper) to reflect light and brighten the dark side.
And that’s what we get with a reflector:

Above all, remember two important things:
- Find the fading light
- Use your hand to check the light.

I hope this will be of help to some of you. Good luck in your experiments!
PS.  Re-Posts are welcome, but… only with my name on it and direct link to this page!

 

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