vonorloff
02-13-2001, 11:56 AM
Window Lighting … a brief overview.
There are many advantages to window light, including direction of light. In many cases, especially at a north window, the light is perfect for portraits ... soft, even and directional. Because we’re under a roof, there is already a built-in overhead light subtractor. That means that our main light, the window, is not trying to compete with skylight and other major light sources.
Window lighting allows for the most complimentary light to fall on the subject’s face and body. What’s more, the window of opportunity is much longer. In fact, when you start looking for window light, you may begin reusing the same locations throughout the year. An ideal window location is ideal all year and good during most daylight hours.
You’ll want to find a window tall enough to allow the light to fall on your subject's face. If your window is too low, the subject’s face can begin to go dark as it extends into the shadows. The window need not face north, but you should avoid direct sunlight. An east window in the afternoon or a west window in the morning will often be a suitable location.
Remember that the window is your main light. Treat it as though it were in your studio, the big difference is that this main light is stationary, so subjects must be moved instead of the light in order to photograph different angles of the face. Move your subject farther from the camera for full face, closer for 2/3 face, and closer still for profile lighting. A little experimentation will bring about the desired effect.
A word on exposure: Expose for the shadow side of the subject’s face. This allows a full range of tones from highlight to shadow with detail in both. If necessary, use a reflector to fill the shadow side of the face when doing closeups. Be careful not to overfill or you’ll end up with flat lighting. Exposures will normally be slow (1/4 second or less), so use a tripod and cable release, and also the mirror lock up to avoid camera movement
------------------
VonOrloff
There are many advantages to window light, including direction of light. In many cases, especially at a north window, the light is perfect for portraits ... soft, even and directional. Because we’re under a roof, there is already a built-in overhead light subtractor. That means that our main light, the window, is not trying to compete with skylight and other major light sources.
Window lighting allows for the most complimentary light to fall on the subject’s face and body. What’s more, the window of opportunity is much longer. In fact, when you start looking for window light, you may begin reusing the same locations throughout the year. An ideal window location is ideal all year and good during most daylight hours.
You’ll want to find a window tall enough to allow the light to fall on your subject's face. If your window is too low, the subject’s face can begin to go dark as it extends into the shadows. The window need not face north, but you should avoid direct sunlight. An east window in the afternoon or a west window in the morning will often be a suitable location.
Remember that the window is your main light. Treat it as though it were in your studio, the big difference is that this main light is stationary, so subjects must be moved instead of the light in order to photograph different angles of the face. Move your subject farther from the camera for full face, closer for 2/3 face, and closer still for profile lighting. A little experimentation will bring about the desired effect.
A word on exposure: Expose for the shadow side of the subject’s face. This allows a full range of tones from highlight to shadow with detail in both. If necessary, use a reflector to fill the shadow side of the face when doing closeups. Be careful not to overfill or you’ll end up with flat lighting. Exposures will normally be slow (1/4 second or less), so use a tripod and cable release, and also the mirror lock up to avoid camera movement
------------------
VonOrloff