Avoid Bad Photography Lighting
Most people think you need a nice and bright day to take pictures. The above image shows what it looks like to take pictures during the harshest lighting conditions directly under the sun.
I have clients contact me on the day of their wedding worried that it's a cloudy day and that their pictures won't come out well.
My response is always the same, "You are in luck, your pictures will come out even better".
"...if your photo sessions is on a cloudy day then you are in luck."
Emil Gasparian: Photographer
Here is another example of pictures taken on a sunny day directly under the sun. If a photo shoot is at a park it's really hard to find a workaround. However, if it's a location with a lot of trees and buildings it's possible to find some shade.
So when is the best time?
Best time to take pictures is about an hour before sunset. Summer time it would be as late as 7:30PM (and a bit earlier depending on the locaton) and in the winter time around 4PM because of daylight lavings.
Bad lighting can be a major challenge in photography, but there are steps you can take to avoid it and achieve better results:
- Understand the different types of light: Natural light, artificial light, and mixed lighting all have different properties and can affect the look of your images. Familiarize yourself with the qualities of each type of light and how it can be used effectively.
- Use the right equipment: Invest in a good camera and lens that can handle low light conditions, and consider using additional lighting equipment, such as flashguns or continuous lighting, to improve the lighting in your shots.
- Experiment with light positioning: The position of the light can have a big impact on the look of your images. Experiment with placing the light at different angles, heights, and distances from your subject to see how it affects the look of the image.
- Use light modifiers: Light modifiers, such as softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors, can help you control the direction and intensity of the light, allowing you to create more pleasing and natural-looking images.
- Shoot at the right time of day: The quality of natural light changes throughout the day, so choose the time of day that provides the best light for your subject. For example, the golden hour (just after sunrise or just before sunset) is a popular time for photography because the light is soft and warm.
- Use post-processing techniques: Even if you're unable to avoid bad lighting in the moment, you can often fix it in post-processing using software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Adjustments to exposure, contrast, and color can help improve the overall look of the image.
