From Good to Great

Module 2

This Module is about lighting

And by “lighting” I also mean… how to notice the beautiful light right in front of you

I don’t use professional lights very often even though I have a giant soft box that I use on occasion. It’s definitely NOT the go-to.

This Module is about seeing light and paying attention to it whether you’re taking photos or not.

Lighting : Video 1

Taking photos of your kids, friends and family

 

Lighting : Video 2

How I use window light with my clients

 

Lighting : Video 3

How to use natural light outside

If you’d like to learn more about lighting with Natural Light I offer 1:1 mentoring sessions HERE.

If you’d like to share any of the photographs you create on social media I would LOVE to see them so don’t forget to tag me! On IG I’m at @cjust.

There are MANY ways to use light as a tool to create more magical images. My goal in life is to not complicate it by trying too hard with heavy lighting gear and just notice all of the gorgeousness that natural light brings.

If you’re trying to create photos of your family indoors and the images aren’t turning out here are a few reasons:

  1. The LIGHT!!! Is it being lit by an overhead light source? That’s going to create ugly shadows underneath the eyes. Move them over toward the window. Move yourself around them until you see the light creating vibrancy in their eyes.

  2. No Catch light. On most professional photographs you’ll see the light source if you look closely in their eyes. Pick up any magazine and start to look at the model or celebrities eyes and see what shape the light is in their eyes. That light is the catch light in their eyes and it helps people look vibrant and ALIVE. Without a Catch light in the eyes it looks pretty dull. aka: Move them toward a window, in the doorway looking outside, under an awning facing the sun, but still in the “open shade”, under a tree but not so far under that the catch light can’t make it to their eyes…move them closer to the edge of the shade of that tree and the bright sun. Play around until the catch light is in their eyes and see the difference if you take a photo without the catch light. Move them away from the window and turn them away from the light and you’ll see a big difference.

  3. You’re trying to take photos at night in low light and the camera can’t really “SEE”. You might need to add another light source - bring in another lamp into the space. You can even point the light from that lamp toward the wall so it “bounces” onto their faces from the wall rather than the lamp light being directly in their faces.

  4. The composition. Move yourself around your family to see how the image looks from all sides. Go up high and down low and see what angle looks best. Move in and crop out everything in that composition that isn’t needed to tell the story of your family. Step in Closer. Take your photos from good to great by paying very close attention to the light, the eyes and look at the entire picture you’re about to take and ask yourself this question “ Is everything in this photograph needed? “ AND “is there anything I can move out of the photo, or do I need to move in closer?” AND “ Is there a better angle, should I stand somewhere else or have them turn a little closer toward the window or doorway?”

    Practice makes the Master…Keep going and try new things. Explore, Experiment and give yourself permission to play. Some of my best work is when I’m thinking less and responding to light and energy more.

If you experience any technical issues watching these videos please contact support@catherinejust.com

If you’d like help getting through any blocks holding you back from being fully creatively self expressed book a 1:1 coaching call with me! Click here for more information.

xo

*Catherine