Light.
It’s everything in photography. It’s the difference between a good picture and a great picture. But sometimes it’s hard to know how to use it, and taking pictures inside can be a struggle. I’m going to show you a simple way to improve your photos when you’re indoors.
In the examples below, can you see the way the light impacts the photo? Each set was taken at the same time, in the same room. The only difference is where I placed my subjects.
In this first image, they are facing away from the main source of light (the windows). Look at her eyes- see how dark they are? See the shadows on baby’s cheeks?
In the second image, I opened the front door and placed them right in the doorway so the light is pouring in on them. Look at her eyes again. They are big, sparkling and full of light. The catchlights are bigger and brighter, reflecting the big light source. The light is nice and even, with a few soft shadows.
In the images below, the main light source is a big sliding glass door.
In the first one, she is turned away from the window and in order to get her face bright enough I had to blow out the background (so bright you can’t see it) and parts of her face and arm. Pay attention to the eyes again.
In the second shot, I just opened the curtains and turned her around to face the light. The colors are nice and rich instead of being washed out, and her skin is evenly lit. And look at those big, beautiful catchlights in her eyes!
So remember, whenever possible, to turn your subjects towards the light!
