Natural Light Portraits
In the first place, Natural Light Portraits, what is it?
In this case, Natural light portraits are about using the available ambient reflected light to light a subject. As a result, this produces a soft light that complements the subject.
Equipment
In this case first, you need your camera. In fact, I use a Canon 5d mk2. Accordingly, this is a full-frame and has the capability of photographing in very low light.
In addition to the camera, I use either a 24mm-70mm 2.8f lens or 70mm-200mm f2.8 lens. Accordingly, both lenses have the capability of operating in low light.
I also prefer to use a lightmeter. Accordingly, the one I use is the Sekonic L-478DR. Consequently, this enables me to measure the light and set the camera accordingly.
In addition, the next item is a reflector. Furthermore, in my case, it is a 40-inch round 5-in-1 reflector. In this case, the reflectors used freehand or on a stand. In addition, should you use a stand you will require a means to hold the reflector and sandbags.
Background for Natural Light Portraits
In this case, the choice of background for this type of photography is outdoor. In this case, the choice of background for this type of photography is outdoor. Consequently, the rule of this is the subject being the focus of the viewer’s attention. For this reason, the background is out of focus.
Lighting for Natural Light Portraits
Likewise, the advantage of using natural lights the reduction in the amount of equipment needed for the shoot. As a result, you have no requirement for heavy bulky lights or flashguns. For this reason, the reflector’s used to reflect light onto the subject.
Consequently, reflectors have the following uses.
- To light the subject as the main light
- As a fill-in light where the light is coming from behind and the subject is in shadow.
- Diffuse the light onto a subject
Reflector Surfaces
Diffuser
Accordingly, the diffusers surfaces used to place in front of a light to diffuse the light. This will soften the light source so that the shadows on the subject’s face are less harsh.
White Reflector
In this case, the white side of the reflectors used to reflect your main light source to create soft fill light.
When using the reflector to bounce light, you can experiment by moving the reflector around. Closer will boost the light, further away will reduce the light.
Silver Reflector
Equally, the silver reflector works the same way as the white one except it’s more reflective. The light coming from the silver reflector is stronger so it might be useful in situations where there is very low light.
Gold Reflector
Likewise, the gold reflector surface works the same way as the white and silver reflectors except it creates a warm, golden light.
Black Surface
Consequently, the black surface does the opposite of the above surfaces, absorbing or blocking light.
When you have too much light coming from every direction, the black surfaces used as a kind of “anti-fill” light. In this case, the black surface removes the light from one side of the face to add more shadow.
With the information that is contained here, the next thing is for practice. So if you haven’t got a reflector, go and purchase one. Then find a subject to practice with.
As a result of this information, if you still want advice, feel free to contact me.
