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Helpful Lighting Tips for First-Time Photographers

Novice photographers must learn how to improve the lighting of their pictures. There are many steps to take in this direction, though one of the simplest tips is to learn from professionals. Individuals should review different photos from different photographers and examine how the scene is lit and where the light is coming from. As they expand their photography skills and knowledge, they should be able to tell the differences between flash and natural light, as well as hard and soft light. Soft light can be described as "wrapping around" the subjects of a photo, creating soft edges, while hard light creates deep, dark shadows.

Many photographers provide helpful lessons to beginners. Anyone who cannot afford a photography class can go to YouTube and search for lighting tutorials, including cinematic lighting tutorials. With this in mind, photographers can also look beyond photography to film and television for further lighting insight.

Studying lighting without a camera in hand is another way to get familiar with how different approaches to lighting can change the mood and feel of a photograph. Different light bulbs produce different shadows, for instance, and the placement of windows in a room impacts how the light falls. Not all photographers have access to professional lighting rigs, so it can be helpful to study and learn how to manipulate available lighting. For example, beginner photographers can use fabrics and paper to block a specific amount of light from coming through a window, significantly changing how the interior is lit.

Available lighting often includes natural light, namely the sun. In some cases, subjects are better served by natural light as opposed to a camera flash or a complex lighting rig. Photographers often refer to dusk and dawn as "magic hour" because the light is perfect for creating ethereal images suffused with soft lighting; imitating the light and shadow play of sunrise or sunset is impossible for even the most skilled photographer.

While natural light can be a valuable tool, it underscores an important lighting lesson: photographers should always carefully plan their shoots. For instance, photo shoots scheduled for the middle of the day usually result in a natural light source that hits subjects from the top, as opposed to the sides. Lighting from the top is not always a problem but often results in a flatter, harsher image.

With this in mind, photographers should not show up to a shooting location at dawn and expect to immediately find the desired lighting. Planning for the perfect picture involves scouting the locations and arriving early to set up equipment and prepare the subject. Apps such as Sun Surveyor can help photographers determine when the sun will be in the correct position for a specific shoot.

Beginners may be surprised to learn that they can manipulate natural light sources while outdoors. For instance, photographers can soften overly harsh sunlight by placing a diffuser in front of the subject.

Some individuals are eager to test out every available tool. While novice photographers are encouraged to experiment, they should also explore tried and true lighting strategies. When using flash photography, for example, professional photographers often use a single flash rather than complicating a photo with multiple light sources. In some cases, a complex, expensive lighting rig may be needed to capture the perfect image, but this is rarely the case for beginners. Check out my pictures to see nature’s lighting tricks and donate to Lupus and Pancan Www.andrewsacksphotos.com