How To Maximize Window Light Photography

The window is commonly used in light photography because it can produce different kinds of moods in a photo. While not all of us have the ability to own a high-priced gear, the window can be used to create high-quality images throughout a photo session.

Anyone can produce a beautiful photo with no equipment except for the camera. One way is to use window light photography. Window light photography is defined as the way of acquiring a free light source by making use of a window as a replacement for the expensive lighting equipment. Some professional photographers say that window lighting source is versatile and flattering.

Whether it is illuminating a soft portrait or creating a mood with heavy shadow, window light can help in producing amazing portraits every day,  One of the advantages of window light photography is that it is mostly available. Whether it is sunny or raining, none of these can hinder in producing beautiful indoor images.

From a photographer's perspective, any window’s lighting facing north or south will provide the most consistent light all day. The window either facing east or west will have direct sunlight streaming through either in the morning or in the evening, and this far better for creating a more dramatic photo.

Tips for Indoor Window Light Photography

Sometimes we can feel a bit frustrated when it comes to the images taken indoors. Here are some tips that can help us enhance and make our photos better.

Place Your Subject Close to the Window. Since windows are needed to maximize the efficiency of the best light, the subject needs to be close enough to ensure that the best image is captured using natural light. Your subject must try different angles to create different sophisticated looks in the photo. Have your subject try different angles to create the desired look in a photo.

Placing your subject closer to the window will create more contrast and will add a more sophisticated look. Moreover, placing them on the side of the window will create a dramatic fall-off in the light on their opposite side. Trying different positions will surely provide you with a different look that fits your subject and your creative imagination.

Control the Window Light. Sometimes raging light cannot be prevented and we cannot control the direct light expose in the subject’s face. With this kind of situation, it is best to use curtains or blinds to diffuse the natural light. Pulling off the curtains or blinds can help soften the light and help with proper exposure. This simple adjustment can help to tone down or decrease the amount of light coming in. In addition, you may also find interesting patterns with the window covering which can create an interesting background.

The Different Scenarios of Window Light

Know how to use the window light to your advantage. We all know for a fact that one of the best natural forms of lighting that we can use comes from the windows. Where you place your subject will dramatically affect the image.

Learn how to maximize window light photography. Where you place your subject during photoshoot will dramatically affect the image results. Below are some of the different scenarios of how window light is used.

Sidelight with the Window. It is usually with vertical emphasis; sidelight is narrow, stationary and can be found in adjacent doorways. Depending on the time of day, this may have more or less contrast.

Backlit by the Window. The subject is sitting in front of the photographer, and at the back of the window. The key for this kind of window photography is to use a reflector to pop light back onto the subject's face.

Front lit by the window. In this kind of photography, the subject is directly facing the light shining directly on them. The light source is in front of the subject. This type of lighting position produces the most even light.

Know Your Environment.

In any situation, it is always best to do research before you do a certain thing or condition. Indoor photography by using window light is a tricky one, so you have to know all the angles and capture the best image.

You have to understand several things like the type of lighting that the sunrise and sunset provides and the time of the day that is best for photographs. Light changes depending on the time of the day. it is better if we know if there are additional sources of light coming in from the set like sunroof aside from the windows. As light changes, so does its colour. It is better for us to know the best lighting and time to capture the perfect shot at a specific area of the place in which the photo shoot is taken place.

Taking several shots before the day of the photo shoot can make a big difference as this will let you analyze at what time the lighting is best. However, it is still important to keep in mind that this may not be possible every single time before a photo shoot especially if you are going to a specific venue.

The quality of natural light differs in many ways. From setting up the room up to choosing the right angle to your subject can make a big difference. Interior fixtures also need to be considered as sometimes not all places are suitable for natural lighting. Making use of reflectors and other means to diffuse light can help. However, it requires careful planning where you place your subject. It is best to experiment at home to eventually achieve a desirable type of lighting.