Discover the art of using a single light source to recreate the ethereal beauty of natural window light for stunning portraiture!
Natural light, at its peak, possesses a magical quality for portraiture. The mesmerizing flow of light through a window creates a breathtaking, enveloping glow that enhances your subject and allows for the creation of diverse looks. Renowned photographer Sandra Coan, who exclusively relied on natural light for her portrait work, realized the limitations of its unpredictability. Weather changes, harsh lighting conditions, and varying darkness levels at different times of the year made it challenging to build a consistent and reliable photography business.
In pursuit of dependable results and a heightened level of professionalism, Sandra embarked on mastering artificial light. After years of refining her skills, she developed a one-light approach to mimic the beauty of natural light. Now, with this simple technique, she can produce "natural" light at will, enabling her to capture outstanding portraits in any scenario, at any time of day or night. This approach has defined her successful two-decade-long career, giving her work a distinctive signature. In "Crafting the Art of Natural Light," Sandra generously shares her knowledge and techniques, empowering you to effortlessly recreate the natural light look in your own portraiture.
Unlike other books on artificial light, Sandra adopts a conversational and easygoing tone, focusing on practical and actionable methods. This book does not delve into complex two- or three-light setups; instead, Sandra's approach is straightforward and easily implementable. The topics covered include:
- The key characteristics of light (intensity, distance, direction)
- Essential equipment: strobes, flashes, light meters, triggers, receivers, modifiers, reflectors, and light stands—Sandra shares her preferences and budget-friendly recommendations for beginners
- The relationship between shutter speed and artificial light
- Optimal positioning of light and subject for consistent and flattering results
- Creating four distinct lighting patterns with a single setup—flat light, loop light, side light, and backlight
- Using a light meter to determine the perfect flash power, applicable to both film and digital photography
- Working with individuals, families, and groups
- The role of shadows in contributing to the drama and mood of a portrait
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Sandra's minimal post-production approach
Concluding with a series of case studies, Sandra walks you through her thought process in real-world portrait shoots, from the initial concept to the final result. If you identify as a "natural light photographer" who has struggled with flash or hesitated to learn it, "Crafting the Art of Natural Light" is the indispensable guide to elevate the quality and consistency of your portraiture.
