Lighting is crucial to a great photograph. How big your light source is in relation to your subject is also key. The smaller the light source the harsher the light. The larger the light source the softer the light. As an example, the sun, while in reality, it the largest light source we know, however in relationship to us (the distance away from us) it is a very small light source albeit strong. This is why our shadows are extremely sharp. When the sun sets we get some of the best light possible because the sun is reflecting into the entire atmosphere around us and now the sun is no longer our light source but the atmosphere is. In relationship to us the atmosphere is huge because it wraps around us. With this idea in mind, whenever you are shooting outside in the bright sunlight, look for a shady spot that is opposite a big wall that is fully lit by the sun. It is easy to find in cities and why I can always do photo shoots in the middle of the day in places like Pasadena. The above shot was taken in full shade between two buildings with the sun reflecting off a big building wall just in front of Cheri as well as the big white sky above her that creates a really nice shape. Notice the soft light on her face as well as the reflections in her eyes. You know your lighting is good if the specular highlight (white reflection) in your subject’s eyes is large and clear. This shot was taken with a Canon 5D with a Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens. There was no post production work on this shot other than very slight darkening of the four corners and the addition of my logo.
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