The Importance of Natural Lighting For Photographers

Natural lighting is one of the most vital elements when it comes to photography, often making the difference between a mediocre image and a masterpiece. While there is a place and time for artificial lighting, natural lighting brings more qualities to the table to assist in enhancing your photos. We will be diving more into the benefits that natural lighting can bring to you as a photographer. 

Quality of Light

Natural light offers a quality that artificial just struggles to replicate. It is softer, diffused, and more pleasing to the eye, especially during golden hour. During these times the sun is lower in the sky, creating long shadows and a golden glow that assists with depth and dimensions to your photos. 

Mood & Atmosphere

 Natural light is very helpful when it comes to conveying both mood and atmosphere. A bright, sunny day can showcase feelings of happiness and energy, while an overcast day can create a moody, dramatic effect. Having an understanding of how different types of natural lights can impact your image can help you tell a more compelling visual story. 

Texture & Details

One of the key advantages of using natural lighting is its ability to highlight textures and details. Utilizing both the direction and the quality can drastically emphasize the fine details of your subject. Whether that is the bark of a tree, the smoothness of a model’s skin, or the intricate pattern of a landscape. Providing you with the opportunity to add layers of richness and realism to the photos. 

Flexibility

Using natural lighting allows you flexibility. This benefits you as it allows you to not have to carry around bulky lighting equipment. Instead, you have the ability to adapt to different lighting conditions. For instance, shooting in different weather conditions or at different times of the day can yield vastly different results. 

Cost

Natural lighting is free and abundant, making it the best effect at a photographer's disposal. Allowing you the gift of not having to break the bank for expensive lighting equipment. By learning how to use natural lighting to your advantage you can provide stunning results at minimal cost. 

Tips

Golden Hour: Make the most of the times of day when natural lighting is at its peak! During sunset and sunrise. 

Reflectors: Reflectors can help you bounce natural light onto your subject, allowing you to fill in any shadows and providing illusions if needed.

Window Light: When indoors, you can use window light for soft, directional lighting for portraits. 

Overcast: There is no need to be scared of cloudy days, as they can be perfect for diffused light. 

Find The Perfect Lighting With Resurge Productions

Resurge Productions staffs experienced professional photographers that know their way around natural light. For more information regarding the benefits of natural lighting or the proper use of it, do not hesitate to reach out to us. To directly get a hold of our team fill out a contact form on our website!