Seven Tips For Natural Light Photography

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Natural light photography can transform your images, creating a soft, timeless look that no artificial lighting can truly replicate. It's one of the most versatile tools for photographers, offering opportunities to experiment with shadows, highlights, and natural ambiance. If you’re aiming to harness the magic of sunlight and make your photos sing, here are my top seven tips for natural light photography, shared from my garden and studio spaces at Kelly Tareski Photography. Let’s dive in!

1. Embrace the Golden Hour

Ah, the Golden Hour—those precious moments right after sunrise and just before sunset. This time is loved by photographers for a reason. The sunlight during these times is soft, warm, and forgiving, making it perfect for capturing beautiful, natural tones in skin and landscapes alike. Plus, Golden Hour light is less harsh than midday sun, so you won’t have to battle with sharp shadows or overexposed highlights.

Here’s a little tip: show up a bit early or stick around a bit later than Golden Hour for unique lighting as the sun is just beginning to rise or set.

2. Work with Shadows

Shadows are a photographer’s best friend when used creatively. Don’t shy away from them—instead, experiment with them. Shadows can add drama, depth, and mystery to your images. Try positioning your subject near a window or a partially shaded area, and let the natural light cast interesting shadows across their face or surroundings. Shadows bring a beautiful contrast that can elevate a simple shot into something truly artistic.

3. Use Reflectors to Your Advantage

While natural light does a lot of the work for you, a reflector can be your secret weapon to bouncing light onto your subject. Whether you’re working with direct sunlight or shade, a reflector will allow you to fill in those darker areas and create a balanced exposure. White, silver, and gold reflectors each have a different effect on skin tones and backgrounds. Personally, I love using gold reflectors during outdoor sessions—it creates a warm glow that complements natural tones beautifully. And here’s a fun tip: if you’re caught without a reflector, a simple white poster board can work in a pinch!

4. Position Your Subject for the Best Light

One of the first things to consider is the angle of the light source relative to your subject. Front light, side light, and backlight all yield different results. For example, positioning your subject with the light source directly behind them (backlighting) can create an ethereal glow around their silhouette, especially during the Golden Hour. Side lighting, on the other hand, can bring out textures and contours, which is fantastic for highlighting facial features or creating a sense of depth.

Experiment with different angles to see how the light interacts with your subject, and don’t be afraid to move around to find that perfect shot.

5. Seek Out Natural Diffusers

Direct sunlight can sometimes be a bit harsh, particularly during midday. But don’t worry—natural diffusers are all around us! Think about the light filtering through tree branches, casting soft shadows on your subject, or a cloudy sky that acts like a giant softbox. Buildings, walls, and even open car doors can also help block out harsh rays and create a softer, more flattering light on your subject.

At my garden studio, I love incorporating areas with natural diffusers, like lush tree cover or tall flowering bushes, that help soften the light beautifully.

6. Adjust Your Camera Settings for Natural Light

A few adjustments to your camera can make a world of difference in capturing natural light effectively. The best settings vary depending on the conditions, but here’s a good starting point:

• ISO: Keep this as low as possible to avoid grain. In bright daylight, an ISO of 100-200 is ideal, but in lower light, don’t be afraid to increase it as needed.
• Aperture: Wide apertures (low f-stops) are perfect for natural light photography, as they allow in more light and create that beautiful background blur. Try an f-stop of around 2.8 or lower for portraits.
• Shutter Speed: Balance your shutter speed based on movement and lighting conditions. In bright light, you can use a faster shutter speed to freeze action or avoid overexposure.

These are general guidelines, but remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all setting. Don’t be afraid to play around and find the best combination for each unique shot.

7. Embrace the Mood of Changing Light

Natural light is wonderfully unpredictable, shifting and changing throughout the day. Instead of viewing it as a limitation, embrace it as a creative challenge! Each time of day offers a unique mood—from the crisp, clear tones of morning to the golden glow of dusk and even the deep shadows of twilight. You might even find that overcast days give you more freedom to shoot at different angles without harsh shadows or blinding highlights.

One of my favorite parts of working with natural light is this element of surprise—it keeps each session fresh and filled with creative possibilities. So go ahead, shoot during a cloudy afternoon or try capturing that moody blue hour after sunset.

That's a Wrap!

Natural light photography offers a timeless, authentic feel that’s hard to replicate with artificial lighting. By understanding the basics and experimenting with light’s nuances, you can elevate your photography and create images that feel vibrant and true-to-life. Remember, it’s all about playing with light, embracing the unexpected, and letting nature do some of the magic for you.

If you’re ready to explore the wonders of natural light photography or need guidance to bring your vision to life, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact Kelly Tareski Photography today for a personalized consultation, and let’s capture those perfect moments together!