Although I had my own photography business for over six years before I began blogging, I hesitate giving photography advice to bloggers, since… well… most everyone’s photos are so darn awesome. Many of you may not be professional photographers, but your photos look professional.
But I am going to press on, since I see something out there that needs to be addressed. You know if you had toilet paper stuck to your shoe, I’m the friend that would tell you. You’d want to know, wouldn’t you?
Do you use a flash when you take your photos? (I’m talking to non-bloggers too!) If your answer is no, then you may sit this one out, if it’s yes, then we need to talk. Ah yes, the dreaded “we need to talk”. Well, the thing is, that directional light makes for better photography. Directional light is light coming from an angle, that causes shadows on one side, enhancing the three-dimensional look of something or someone. Here’s a photo with directional shadows, (You can tell the light is coming from the right.)
and here is one taken with a flash (The light is coming from the front and eliminating shadows). See the difference?
When you use a flash, it eliminates most shadows on your subject, and therefore can cause your thing or person to appear flat in the photo. And sometimes the flash is so bright that the subject ends up getting washed out.
Okay so you’ve got a low-light situation, so what are you going to do? Option 1: Move the object outside if possible. In the shade works or in the sun if it is low on the horizon like early in the morning or late in the evening.
Option 2: Move the object to a bright window if possible. This obviously works only if there is a good amount of light coming in the window. But too much can wash out the subject. You want the light to be bright but not have the sun directly hitting the object.
I’m not done talking, so come back later for more lighting tips. I’m just getting started!!
I’m looking forward to learning more, Anita. I don’t use my flash, but I could definitely use some help in the lighting department!
Teach me more, teach me more! Former flash user….and I’m checking my shoe, lol
XO,
Christine
Oh thanks so much Anita…I have been told that using a flash is a definite “no-no” … I so look forward to your photography advice and thanks for the advice today..your photos are always so magnificent!
Oh-Thank you, thank you, thank you. I will take all the tips you can give. I have a point and shoot because I never took photos before I started blogging-hubby did them all. He has a behemoth of a camera that took him years to learn. I don’t have that many years left!;>) Anyway, I no longer use my flash (once in a great while in a confined space) so I have one tip down. Keep the other tips coming-I’m listening! xo Diana
I for sure am a photo taking victim! lol! I have poor light in almost every room! HELP!!
Number one best advice, Anita!!!! I wish you would have more photography posts I am all about becoming a better photographer!
Thank you, Anita!! I need so much help! You have been such a fountain of knowledge! Thank you for sharing this with all of us! I look forward to more posts on this subject! Your photos are fantastic!
“Are you talkin ta me”? Yes, you’re talking to me!! I have to finish my work and get out of my client’s way. I really can’t “stage” things. And, how would I take a photo of a metallic finish, like a vent-a-hood I just finished. In the photo, I want it to look like copper and need that flash reflection. How would you take that photo? Love your blog!! Lynda
This is going to be great! Love getting photography tips.
Excellent advice! I hope you’ll share more of your expert advice, Anita.
I hear ya, sister. Great tips.
I’m sure you’ll touch on reflective lighting at some point. Back in my photography business days, I carried a trunk full of reflective umbrellas and the likes on every shoot. I may still have a few in the attic, antiques by now, but still useful. I may go dig through it all and put them to use again. There are a lot of times that I know I need a reflective “tool” because of low lighting situations, be it a white poster board or a reflective umbrella, but I’m too lazy to put forth the effort.
I do hate flash photography. Sometimes it’s a must–like indoor weddings, etc., but natural lighting is so much more pleasing to the eye.
I always love your photos, by the way.
lynda, that’s a tough one. If you need light to be shining on your finish to show metallic flecks I think it will require a flash, but maybe you can use bounce light or use a soft box to not make the flash so harsh.
Dayle, yes reflectors are awesome but usually require a helper which I rarely have. I use other techniques which I plan to cover but that is a fabulous idea!! I have used reflectors some and just tried to use a mirror yesterday for a shoot, but in the end couldn’t get it positioned so that it was helpful since it was a standing mirror and would only tilt up or down, and I had no assistant!!
Bravo…I sure could use all the tips I can find:) So agree about the no flash!
Oh, I am excited as I need all the advice I can get. I was just struggling with this yesterday and fortunately I could move the items next to the window, but let’s face it you can’t just go moving rooms over to a window. Bring it on!! Teach me!!
Thanks, Patty
Oh my gosh… I would love more information on how to take better photos. I just bought a set of lights to use in the house this winter. My living room is on the north side of the house and I can’t seem to get a natural light photo. More information is better. I want more. LOL
Betty @ My Cozy Corner
Why, thankie, ma’am! 🙂 I don’t use a flash but I have trouble with lighting because inside my house is on the dark side! I’ll be looking for more tips! 🙂
I shouldn’t have known you were a professional as all of your snaps are gorgeous!
be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Photography is one of my favorite things about blogging. I used to pursue photography as a hobby when I was (much) younger….blogging brought it back into my life.
I’ve learned so much, but have a long way to go. I’m really looking forward to your tips.
Anita,
Keep ’em coming, dear friend!!!
It took me far too long to photograph without the flash on. . .and once I did, the comments from friends on my blog were of praise and envy!!!
I have trouble with lighting in my home, so I’m hoping there are other solutions. I have experienced too much natural light washing out the exact accessory I was attempting to photograph. Oh, how I appreciate knowing the “why”!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Oh thank you – I am a new blogger and I need all the help I can get. Sometimes I don’t do post because my look pale in comparison to the other blogger. So yes, please more instructions.
Many many thanks,
Mary
Anita, I look forward to more of your tips because I struggle with lighting. I cringe at some of the early photos on the blog but at least I’m improving! I would tell anyone who is thinking about starting a blog to work on their photography skills before doing so!
I have come so very far with my photography but that’s only because I had so far to go! Looking forward to more tips. Lighting is the toughest in my house and for my recipes. House Tours are this week! Are you ready? Me, neither!
Great post. Love your photos and want to learn more of your secrets!!
Thank you for this. Your photos are beautiful. I know nothing about photography but am excited because I signed up for a class in Sept!
Oh goodie…looking forward to learning more!
I love photo advice from favorite bloggers! Sometimes I publish a post and later wish I could just snatch back all the photos and retake or re-edit them. I know not to use harsh flash, but hearing the three dimensional shadow tip makes me understand better. I love learning new things. Thanks!
Thanks for t the great tip!
I could definitely use some tips. I try to use natural light whenever possible but if I have to use a flash, I use my speedlite (not the lousy built-in flash that came with the camera). When I photograph my kitchen, I have to use a tripod and use a very small aperature to get good light. My kitchen is dark now sinse we got a roof installed over our patio.
Keep the photography tips coming.
Great Lighting Tips! This would be a great post for my blog series Foto ||| TIP Friday, I would love it if you could be a guest blogger for it sometime.
Check out my blog LA||| Fotografa! http:///www.brittanierenoj.com