To create simple, attractive portraits we usually want our light to be soft and directional. Why soft? Because it's more flattering than hard light. Why directional? Because it gives the face depth and relief by creating highlights and shadows.
For these qualities, we need look no further than the nearest window. Because windows have a fairly large area, the light they offer is flattering for portraits, and it's for this reason most studios (those used by painters as well as photographers) have large windows.
You want to avoid direct sunlight, so north-facing windows are best if you're in the northern hemisphere, as the angle of the sun means they never see direct sunlight. Make sure you turn off the room lights, as artificial lights have a different colour temperature to daylight, and the colours can look muddled if you mix them together.
Of course, the beautiful bank of light from a window comes from one fixed position, but that doesn't mean we're restricted to one direction of light: by moving the camera and our subject we can control how light falls across the subject, and come up with a variety of portrait effects.
1 SOFTLY, SOFTLY
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2023 de Photography week.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2023 de Photography week.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS
James Paterson reveals how he captures stunningly colourful sunsets by using this secret weapon
ABSTRACT PORTRAITS
Mike Harris shows you how to use slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to capture a series of motion-blur portraits
BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES
A final hit of inspiraton: Ocean Photographer of the Year reveals stunning winning photos
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN
James Abbott reveals the secrets to capturing amazing images during the most eye-catching season of the year
CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER
The Selphy QX20 is ideal for quickly printing your smartphone snaps on the go
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot