Shooting in Sh*tty Light: The Top Ten Worst Photography Lighting Situations and How to Conquer Them

Introduction

As photographers, we all fantasize about capturing that perfect shoot under the ideal lighting conditions. Nothing feels better than clicking the shutter knowing that you have captured that beautiful scene. Perhaps you show up to a portrait session with the sun low in the sky, creating a heavenly glow of light around your subject. She is tall, slender, and in a flowing dress on the beach as waves crash behind her. Sometimes you really do have those striking visuals in front of you, just waiting to be recorded.

Other times, reality is not so pleasant, even bordering on brutal. You show up to the midday shoot to find harsh sunlight with no shade in sight and a concrete building for a background. Or perhaps the event you’re photographing ...