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Capture great portraits with James Paterson’s step-by-step guide to using window light
To create simple, attractive portraits we usually want our light to be soft and directional. Why soft? Because it’s more flattering than hard light. Why directional? Because it gives the face depth and relief by creating highlights and shadows.
For these qualities, we need look no further than the nearest window. Because windows have a fairly large area, the light they offer is flattering for portraits, and it’s for this reason most studios (those used by painters as well as photographers) have large windows.