Lighting is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of photography. There are many different ways to light a subject that can make your photos stand out from the rest.
There are also many ways to get creative with lighting, and it’s a great way to add depth and interest to your images. Here are a few simple, yet interesting lighting ideas to try out:
1. Use existing light
If you have a chance to shoot somewhere with great natural light, use it! It can help bring out some of the most beautiful details in your subject.
2. Create a moody image
If the subject in your photo is primarily emphasized in warm colors, consider using cool colors to contrast with it. This can really make your photo look dramatic and eye-catching!
3. Seek out “pockets” of light
The best way to make your photos stand out is to find the most unique places to put your lighting. This can be done in a variety of ways, but it can be particularly effective for portraits.
4. Adding starbursts
Finally, another great way to make your photos stand out is to add stars or other “points of light” to the image. This can be as easy as using the sun or as complex as placing a flash on your subject, but it can add a really interesting touch to any photo.
5. Getting creative with the direction of the light
If you have the chance to shoot in a place where the sun is at an odd angle, you can get some really cool results. This can be especially useful for landscape shots, but it can also work well for portraits of people as well.
6. Don’t be afraid to use natural shadows
Dappled light is a great technique to use when shooting landscapes, and it can be even more effective when you have an interesting object in the scene. This can be as simple as placing a basket or a crates in the shade, but it can also be as complicated as using a reflector or even using a softbox.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is always a little bit of creativity and experimentation that can be found in any situation. The key is to be able to see the opportunities that are right in front of your nose!
