Environmental Portraiture: Tell Your Subject’s Story and Create Dynamic Portraits with One Bag of Gear

Using Available Light

When on assignment, before I grab anything, I look at the light around me. It could be overhead fluorescents, incandescent light, natural light through windows, open shade, or direct sun. I use as much of what is happening with the available light as possible. It makes for more natural-looking photos, as if the viewer is a fly on the wall.

After looking at the light, I revisit the story in my mind and ask, why I am taking this picture? And how can I use the available light to tell the story? For example, you can use existing light or natural light from a window to create a soft, introspective mood. Or use direct sun to convey power and forthrightness. Here are two images that illustrate ways to make the most of your available ...