Digital Cameras

Film | Cameras | Lenses | Lighting

Lighting

Here are some tips and tricks for using light to your advantage when taking pictures.

The most flattering outdoor light is available at dawn and dusk. The sun is at its "softest" and it infuses the atmosphere with more reds, creating a warm "glow." And, when you shoot your subject at dawn or dusk, they can relax their features because they don't have to squint into the sun.

When taking pictures in sunlight, watch for shadows that obscure the scenery (or your subject).

The best night shots are taken just after sunset. This is where scenes are lit up as if it were night, but there is still a tiny bit of sunlight around to help light the scene and bring out the detail.

When shooting indoors, experiment with different light sources. Lights at lower angles are more dramatic than normal (overhead) lighting.

To take night shots without a flash, set your ISO speed to 800 or above.

To soften your flash, tape waxed paper over the flash to diffuse the light.

If you're using your macro setting to take a picture of a very small object, cut a plastic milk container and surround the object to diffuse the light.