Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision

Lighting Challenges on Location

Sadly, we can’t always shoot at magic hour, but the need for the right light never changes. The challenges of natural light and the fact that the sun just keeps on moving across the sky means that there is always a need to be mindful of natural light and the ways in which we can modify and supplement it. While this is not a chapter on using multiple off-camera gelled strobes to mimic the look of sunset, here are a few problems I often encounter with natural light and the simpler principles that come into play to resolve them.

Problem: Harsh overhead light creating harsh shadows on your subject’s face and washing out their color.

Solutions: Move your subject into the shade. Under a tree, into a doorway, or to the ...