How to use Natural Light in Portrait Photography
I have been seeing a trend lately and it’s towards natural lighting in portrait photography. A lot of newer photographers like it because it is simpler than working with auxiliary lighting. However, you still have to know how to manipulate the light – in this case, the sun. During my trip to Victor, Idaho and the Tetons, I learned that the best way to use natural light in a portrait is during the last couple hours of the day when the sun is beginning to set. Then, position your model so the sun is behind him or her. This will provide beautiful, soft lighting on the face while backlighting the model. That’s where you get the gorgeous glow on the hair.
Here are my top natural light portraits from our excursion. I love using Corrie Coston’s beautiful natural light portrait photography as inspiration.
