The effect of various lighting on the human face is absolutely fascinating to me. Once I began to understand light, every portrait I captured was infused with meaning. Now I make it a habit to ask myself how the available light can turn an ordinary portrait into something extraordinary.
Window light is my favorite light source for intimate portraits. Sitting next to a window with the subject itself creates a sense of closeness. I can engage with my subject in a small, shared space. I love the way I can control the light steaming through a window. I can create catch lights in my subject’s eyes or dark shadows across her face, whatever helps me to convey who she is and what she’s experiencing.
1. Change positions.
Simply changing my position or my subject’s can drastically change the mood of a portrait. I can have the subject face the light directly with even illumination for candor, or turn her so the light is much stronger on one side for a bit of mystery.
2. Embrace the perfectly imperfect.
When I see dappled light and lines on my subject, I run for my camera. The lines from window blinds can enhance the story I’m trying to convey. Some photographers may be bothered by such lines across their subject’s face, but I love the dramatic feel it brings. If my daughter is in a bad mood, dramatic lines across her face intensify that moody look. Sunlight peeking through bushes and trees can enhance my stories too.
3. Embrace the grain.
Low light and grain can create a timeless look in portraits. When a moment is happening and there just isn’t enough available natural light, I simply bump up my ISO and shoot wide open to make up for the lack of light. And I can always fix any unwanted noise in post-processing.
4. Get creative with rim light and silhouettes.
Silhouette and rim light convey a sense of stillness. I don’t usually enter a situation knowing I want to use rim light or silhouette. It comes to me after sitting back and watching my subject in that space for a few moments.
5. The use of contrast.
When I was new to photography, I would either expose correctly or overexpose one or two stops. I soon discovered I prefer to underexpose because I love contrast in my portraits. The contrast and detail make me feel as though I’m one with my subject and in the moment with them.
Photos by Tina Sherman
This article first appeared in the November/December 2017 issue of Click Magazine. Buy your copy here, or subscribe so you never miss a story like this one.
More tips, tricks and inspo on portrait lighting:
6 Unexpected ways to use window light to add magic to indoor photos
5 tricks to create dramatic portraits of kids at home
Light tamer: how to use harsh light to create dramatic photos
5 Ways to create emotive low-light photos in your home
Natural Light: One window, five looks
Beautiful photos and thanks for the tips!