THE MAGIC OF LIGHT With variation in natural light, this scene will look completely different even over the course of just one day
© Ryszard Lomnicki
The versatility of natural light is undeniable; captured in the right way, it can enhance a variety of photographic styles – and not just outdoors. The accessibility and affordability of this natural source make it a favourite among photographers of all levels. Moreover, it offers the opportunity to imbue photographs with ambience and emotion, helping you to tell stories with your images. As an extra benefit, being out in sunlight offers a healthy dose of vitamin D, which boosts the immune system and clears the mind.
However, working with natural light does present a number of challenges, due to the fact that it’s constantly changing, influenced as it is by the seasons, the time of day and the weather. So a fundamental understanding of light quality is essential to showcase its characteristics aesthetically. When working with natural light, you quickly realise that it requires not only thinking with your head, but also thinking on your feet so that you can use it in a controlled way. The saying ‘the early bird catches the worm’ could not be more accurate – you’ll need to get ahead of the sun, and venture out into nature before it even appears to catch the intense morning light with boosted colours and expressive dynamics.