Windows as a source of portrait light have been used for decades before artificial light sources came into the play. And the best of it: it’s still a free light source.
Window light is the easiest way to get your portraiture work going. It will create the same light quality as much bigger, more expensive lighting equipment. A large window is essentially a huge softbox. In general, you will achieve wonderful results!
Using additional tools, like reflectors and scrim shields – of cheap diffusor material – will help you modulate the quality of light even further, like for achieving ‘soft light’ (= diffused light source).
Also, sometimes it’s inevitable – or wanted – to combine a window light with artificial light in order to get the necessary look/mood/effect you want. Or you fake a window light altogether because there’s no window available.
In this course you get a rundown about:
- How to use any window light available
- What different portrait looks to achieve by using just daylight
- How to enhance or entirely fake a window lighting setup
- Comparison about different light quality when using window light, a reflector bounce or strobes instead.
Curated Duration: 1 h 59 min
Do: #SuccessfulPhotography
Be: #ISO1200team
Contributing Instructors
Manhattan-based Photographer, Educator and Lighting Guru. I don't talk, I shoot.. ok and I talk a bunch, mostly about my experience in the industry and random pop culture references. You might know me from the videos I have made over the years for Adorama and more brands than I can even remember.
Erik Valind is a freelance photographer, born and raised on the Florida beaches, now living in New York City. He specializes in commercial lifestyle photography and environmental portraiture with airy and energetic imagery defining his style and vision. Involved and committed to the photography industry, Erik is a Tamron Image Master as well as a Broncolor Ambassador and a member of the American Society of Media Photographers.
When he’s not on assignment, Erik loves to share his visual approach, techniques, and passion for photography internationally as a speaker at major industry conferences, as an author, and online as an instructor.
Gavin Hoey is a freelance photographer, Olympus UK ambassador, and trainer of all things photographic. Primarily focusing on photography education, he started out writing for photography magazines such as Practical Photography and Digital Photo which eventually led on to making video tutorials for magazine cover discs.
Gavin was an early YouTube adopter and created a popular photography training channel before joining forces with the New York camera store, Adorama in 2012. He is now the most-watched presenter on Adorama TV where his videos focus on the art of lighting and portraits. Gavin’s tutorials are either shot on location or more usually, at his small home studio in Sussex, UK.
Nine years on, Gavin is still creating at least one video tutorial for Adorama TV every other week and the channel has passed the 1 million subscriber milestone and is still climbing!
Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.
Magician /Engineer/ Photographer specializing in boudoir and cosplay. Photography tutorials focused on creative techniques rather than gear starting from the basic.
Miguel is a beauty & portrait photographer currently residing in New Jersey. Starting his photography business in 2012, Miguel has traveled the world photographing interesting faces as well as teaching photography at conferences like WPPI, Photo Plus, Shutterfest, and many more. He’s appeared on Creative Live, Adorama TV, and currently releases videos weekly on his YouTube channel. Miguel has been recognized as a Sony Artisan Of Imagery, as well as a Profoto Legend Of Light.
Nathan Elson is a commercial photographer based out of Calgary, AB that specializes in portraiture. He is known for his use of creative lighting, particularly when it comes to black and white photography, and hosts a YouTube channel in his spare time that teaches his tips and techniques to other aspiring photographers.
Pye Jirsa is the founder and partner of SLR Lounge and Lin and Jirsa Photography, a boutique Southern California photography studio with an incredible team that shoots over 300 weddings each year, with nearly 1,000 yearly client commissions.
Course Content
Course Includes
- 13 Lessons