Light

Light is kind of everything in photography. After all, the word “photography” literally means “drawing with light.” It’s what shapes your image, sets the mood, and helps bring out the details and emotions you’re trying to capture. You could have the perfect location and cutest subjects, but if the light isn’t right… it just won’t feel the same.

And no, you don’t need to be a lighting expert to make the most of it. A little awareness goes a long way. Let’s break it down:

Diffuse Light

This is that dreamy, even light you get on a cloudy day or near a big window with sheer curtains. It softens everything, reduces harsh shadows, and makes skin tones look great. It’s flattering, forgiving, and perfect for portraits. Honestly, cloudy days are a photographer’s secret weapon.

Hard Light

This is that sharp, bright light you get in the middle of a sunny day. It creates strong shadows and high contrast, which can look super dramatic and interesting, if that’s what you’re going for. It’s not ideal for close-up portraits (hello, squinting and harsh lines), but it can be amazing for creative or bold shots.

Soft Light

Soft light is like the gentle, golden light you get shortly after sunrise or before sunset (a.k.a. golden hour). It wraps around your subjects beautifully, adds warmth, and makes everything look a little more magical. It’s basically nature’s filter and a favorite among photographers for good reason.

Shadows

Shadows aren’t something to fear, they’re something to play with! They can add mood, mystery, and depth to your photos. You can use shadows to frame a subject, highlight details, or just give your photo a little edge. The trick is to notice where they fall and use them intentionally.

Light can totally change the story your photo tells. Once you start noticing it - how it shifts throughout the day, how it plays across faces and objects - you’ll never look at it the same way again.