Lets Talk About Light…

Some of you might know there are as many types of light during a day as there are colour’s in the rainbow. I wont go into the explanations of each but what I am going to do is talk to you about light from a Photographers point of view. Now please don’t read this and think this is not technically correct ect ect. I’m trying to put this into human speak so that we all understand. Why you might ask… Because light is the main factor that will effect how your images come out. So check out these (non technically correct) examples so when we are chatting about booking your session you know what I am yabbering on about.

GOLDEN HOUR

See how the two images above have a quite yellow hue (or colour) to them. The light on the people is generally quite flat, not causing too many shadows on their faces. This is what I like to call the start of golden hour or twilight, its as the sun starts setting and is no longer above us, its a much softer and more forgiving light which gives images a look of warmth and even makes them feel a little angelic.

The two images below are much later in the true golden hour this causing the orange colours (sunset colours) its only a very short timeframe we get to play in this light before our non light assisted camera’s can’t handle the light as effectively and the session ends. In my ideal session I take my clients through both of these light scenarios to give them a varying fell to their gallery. Although I am confident if there isn’t a sunset I can still provide you with amazing images this is always my preference if we can achieve it.

OVERCAST DAYS


In the images below you will see how gorgeous they are and I will conduct sessions in this light anytime. But will also notice the lack of sunshine. The light on these days is amazing for photos there is no hard light like you would get in the middle of a sunny day. But I want you to be aware of the difference because if your heart is set on golden hour images you will now understand why I recommend postponing your session if we get an overcast or rainy day. If you don’t mind either way that’s fantastic but I don’t want to go ahead with the session on an overcast or rainy day and you be disappointed that there is no sun in your images. I do not add sun to my photography I capture what is there on the day. There have not been too many overcast sessions where the sun has not come out to play at some stage throughout the session but I need you to be aware I can not guarantee it, which can change the look of your images dramatically.

RAINY DAYS

Check out the images below even a raining day can produce some stunning images so don’t be scared of a little shower, I’m not if you’re not as long as its not so heavy it will ruin my equipment :-)

FULL SUN BUT IN THE SHADE

These images were taken in full sun but in the shade, I often look for areas with a dark background where possible for this time of day otherwise you end up with very bright backgrounds if there is nothing between the subjects and the sun. Even though you are in the shade its still not as evenly lit as a sunset image but definitely workable.

MIDDLE OF DAY OR HARSH SUNLIGHT

This was such a fun session I did a year or two ago in the middle of the day. Although the images are still great and captured these kids playfulness perfectly, take notice of the shadows on the kids faces. The easiest way we can avoid this during a session at this time of day is to pop our subjects back to the sun. This can be hard work depending on where the sun is and what objects you have surrounding you (in case you don’t want them in the background of your image and its where your subject needs to stand). We photographers have a few tricks to deal with this type of light but its not ideal. As you can see the light is more unforgiving than golden hour which is ok for kids, but can cause imperfections on those of us with ha hmm mature skin to stand out. So in my quest to make my client feel their most angelic, beautiful and loved I will take a golden hour session first every time.

I hope this has helped explain to you only 1 of the tiny details that go through a photographers head when you inquire about a session. This is the reason I only conduct 2-3 sessions per week so that I always have a second day available to conduct your session should you be set on having golden hour images. If your original date booked turns out raining or overcast we will discuss postponing your session to give us the best possibility of giving you the images you desire. Because remember these are forever so I want them to be perfect!!