Easy Location Lighting

This post contains the images from my most recent FREE photography class.  This class delt with improving images by understanding available light.  Only a camera and lens were used to create the images.  Well, there were also a few trees and walls.

The first image is an example of what not to do.  This was taken in direct sunlight.  Don't do this!  This will accentuate everything wrong with your subject.

In this image, I used a tree to block most of the sunlight.  This improves the image, but it can be better.

Now, by changing the subject's position and my position, we can use the tree to create subtractive lighting.  The tree creates a shadow on one side of the subject's face.  This adds dimension to the subject.  Also notice that the subject's nose is pointed away from the tree towards the light.  This has the added benefit of making the face look thinner.

The next image illustrates a common problem.  The sunlight is coming through the leaves of the tree creating dappled shade.  This creates highlights and shadows that distract from the subject.

By turning the subject 180 degrees and rotating my position, the dappled shade is on the subjects back improving the image.

In this image, I used the sunlight to create a rim light on the subject's hair.  This creates separation between her and the background.  Additionally, there is a tree, camera left, creating a shadow on one side of the subject's face.

The next two images use the same principles.  There is a wall on camera right on the first and a tree on camera left in the second.

The next two images use the wall on camera left to create the shadow.

This image illustrates the concept of depth-of-field that we discussed.  This image was taken at f4.  You can see as the leaves on the wall become more in focus as they get closer the the subject.

I hope the images help to reinforce the ideas we discussed.  Please let me know if you have any questions.