The Natural Light Portrait Workshop is highly popular. The demand to learn how to capture better photos of family and friends, in available natural light, is never ending. On this beautiful bright Saturday, Scott and I met some photographers who had this very desire. The desire to learn how to work with Natural light, at any time of day and capture nice images of their friends and family.

Before we get to the hands on portion of our workshop, we first go over some foundational basics. The camera setting basics, which includes an explanation of the exposure triangle. Also the importance of Aperture and it's relationship to depth of field, in direct relation to portraiture. We cover the basics of composition as well, and how to use your subject to create leading lines, "S" curves, and the most fundamental rule of composition, rule of thirds.

After our power point presentation, Scott and I went outdoors with our students and two lovely ladies who would be modeling for us. Splitting into two small groups ensures that everyone will get time to photograph and also get some instant feedback from either myself of Scott. We can offer that all important instant critique, which allows the students learn and make changes or corrections, right then and there. The bright sunny day enables the students to learn how to work with some of the most difficult lighting situations. Cloudy or foggy days are actually the best for photography as the sun is defused by the cloud cover, causing a softer, even, flattering light.

We demonstrated how the use of a reflector can create that same soft diffused light. With the cover on, a reflector bounces light to fill in shadows, but take the cover off and you have an instant diffuser. The diffuser is sheer enough for light to pass completely through, and the resulting effects are stunning.

One of the most difficult lighting scenarios for the beginning portrait photographer is backlighting. Although backlighting can yield some really fantastic results when executed properly. Scott and I demystified backlighting and our students were excited to be capturing some fantastic backlit images.

We worked with some different poses and the do's and don'ts of working with female models, such as shooting from a little above, versus from below. Just a tiny shift in position yields a much different result. Woman will definitely like you a lot more if you photograph them in the most flattering way possible.

The students were definitely enjoying themselves, but you know what they say... time flies when you're having fun. Our three hour worksop was already coming to a close. Scott and I said our goodbyes and offered to be available at any time for questions or critique.

Until next time,

Ellie, Scott and the rest of the Aperture Academy Team!

If you'd like to join us at one of our workshops, you can find the schedule/sign up here.

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