Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography

When shooting indoors, window light is a convenient source of light during the day.

Contrast between lit and shaded areas will be very high if direct sunlight falls on the

subject, so generally it is best to have the subject lit only by indirect light bouncing

into the room. Even so, a single window can be a contrasty source of light, causing

those parts of the subject facing away from the window to appear dark.

A main light plus reflector fill is the simplest setup if you want to arrange the light-

ing yourself (see Figure 22.1). Bouncing the light into an umbrella reflector (rather

than lighting the subject directly) softens the light, makes it easier to control, and

may even eliminate the need for fill.

326 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TODIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

FIGURE 22.1

The best way to

experiment

with portrait

photography is

with one strobe

and a reflector.

Window light can be quite contrasty, so keep an eye on the amount of contrast

between lit and shaded areas. A reflector opposite the window can bounce fill light

onto the side of the subject away from the window (see Figure 22.2). Sometimes a

nearby light-colored wall can do the same.

Follow these steps to try a simple lighting scenario that will look good in black and

white:

1. On an overcast day, plan a portrait by sitting your subject next to a window.
   The light from an overcast day is bright, but not harsh.


2. Use a large white board (such as foam-core or cardboard) and have your
   assistant hold it on the other side of the subject. The light from the window
   will reflect and illuminate the other side of the subject’s face.