Light, Shadow and Natural Lighting
Learn to see and use natural light: hard vs soft light, direction, window light, golden hour, backlight, reflectors and shooting in difficult light.
12 lessons
Progress is saved in this browser only.
Lessons in this course
-
1
Understanding Light: Direction, Intensity, Quality, Size and Color
Learn the five qualities of light every photographer reads: direction, intensity, quality, size and color, plus the inverse square law, explained simply.
7 min -
2
Hard Light and Soft Light
Learn what makes light hard or soft, why the size and distance of the source matter most, how each looks on faces and objects, and when to use each one.
6 min -
3
Light Direction and Shadow Behavior
Learn how light direction decides where shadows fall, why shadows create shape, depth and texture, and how shadow length, edges and darkness change a photo.
6 min -
4
Front, Side, Back, Top and Low-Angle Light
Learn how front, side, back, top and low-angle light change portraits, landscapes and objects, with the strengths, problems and best uses of each direction.
6 min -
5
Sunlight, Open Shade and Overcast Conditions
Learn how direct sunlight, open shade and overcast skies change your photos, which subjects suit each, and how to find flattering light on any day.
6 min -
6
Window Light and Indoor Natural Light
Learn how to use window light for portraits and products: which windows work best, how distance and angle change the look, and how to soften the light.
6 min -
7
Golden Hour, Blue Hour and Changing Daylight
Learn what golden hour and blue hour are, why the light looks so different, how long they last, and how daylight changes from sunrise to night.
6 min -
8
Backlighting, Silhouettes and Rim Light
Learn how to use light from behind your subject for rim light, glowing translucent subjects, silhouettes and flare, and how to manage flare and fill.
6 min -
9
Reflectors and Diffusers
Learn how reflectors add light to shadows and diffusers soften harsh light, what each 5-in-1 surface does, and how to place them for portraits and products.
6 min -
10
High-Key, Low-Key and Contrast Control
Learn how to create high-key and low-key photos with natural light, controlling contrast with fill, negative fill and backgrounds for each mood.
5 min -
11
Reading Light Before Taking a Photograph
Learn a simple method to read light in any scene: find the source, read shadows, check contrast and color, test with your hand, and decide how to use it.
6 min -
12
Adapting to Changing and Difficult Natural Light
Learn practical solutions for difficult natural light: harsh midday sun, fast-changing clouds, dappled shade, snow and sand, low light, fog and rain.
6 min