Many people believe they need a studio to create professional-looking portraits. If that describes you, I have good news! As a portrait artist, I have created several award-winning portraits simply by using the natural light streaming through a window.
Light and Shadow Create Dimension
One of the ways the human eye perceives depth and dimension is through light and shadow. In photography, when we use a single, forward-directed flash (like the ones contained on most cameras) it often erases or "blows out" the natural shadows that may exist on a face. This results in a flat, pasty-looking image that is unappealing and confusing to the brain. By contrast, when you preserve these shadows, your portrait can become artistic and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. This style of lighting was used by old masters such as Rembrandt, Da Vinci and Vermeer.
What Type of Window Light Should I Choose?
First, let's discuss the two types of window light:
Direct light describes a high-intensity, brilliant light. Using this type of light for portraiture creates squinting as well as extremes in the light-to-shadow ratio that can be extremely unattractive and should be avoided.
Indirect light describes a lower-intensity, subdued light. As a result, indirect light is softer, more flattering, and is perfect for portraiture.
Which Windows Are Best?
Since we now know that indirect light is best for portraiture, choose a window that faces north or south. These windows are ideal because they generally offer indirect light from sunrise to sunset. Windows facing east or west are still usable, but they contend with direct light several hours a day, creating time limits on their use. Remember, however, that the angle of the sun shifts dramatically with the seasons so a window that's ideal in June may be completely useless by December. Also, to allow adequate light through the window, completely raise blinds or shades and be certain window is not blocked by foliage, tinting or heavy shadows.
What Type of Person is a Good Candidate for Window Light?
Regrettably, not everyone is a candidate for window light. Window light, by its nature, can have a texturing effect. Because of this, it's not always the best choice for people with skin challenges such as wrinkles, sagging, abuse, acne or scarring. However, if you wish to make a "facial study" and emphasize these characteristics, by all means, use it to your advantage! Texture light is a technique used by professionals to emphasize everything from the beading in a bridal gown to the inscription on a coin. However, I will discuss a type of window light that may be a better option for those with skin challenges in another section.
How Do I Prepare My Subject?
If your goal is a TRADITIONAL portrait, I suggest preparing your subject in the following ways:
Dress your subject in subdued, solid clothing. Patterns, bright colors and play clothes compete with your subject's face and will become dated. In fine portraiture, faces should be featured, not clothing.
Cover the arms and legs. The more skin that's revealed, the more it fights with the face for prominence.
Pay close attention to grooming. Hair should be squeaky clean and styled. Nails should never be chipped or dirty.
Eliminate all facial shine by dusting with cosmetic powder (this includes men).
I suggest women wear foundation and powder to smooth facial skin. Then add a little color to the cheeks and lips and finish with lip gloss. Girls can apply lip gloss only. I've found that shiny lips are much more attractive in portraiture than dry ones.
Where Do I Place My Subject?
There are four positions you can place your subject, each having a different effect.
1. Directly in front of the window, with a window to the right (or left) of the subject's shoulder. This position will deliver maximum texturing effect. You would use this for "face studies" or to accentuate the texture of a fabric, food or other object. It also increases the light-to-shadow ratio, meaning the shadow side of the face appears much darker compared to the lighted side of the face. This type of dramatic lighting has been used to communicate a darker mood or emphasize extreme masculinity. Photographer stands directly in front of the subject.
2. Just beyond the window (usually the wall is now to the right or left of the subject's shoulder), with window ahead of the subject. This position is what I use most. This reduces the texturing effect and is more attractive to the face. The ratio of light-to-shadow is more graduated and can create the famous Rembrandt lighting technique. Photographer stands directly in front of subject.
3. Subject facing into window with photographer's back to the window. This forward-lighting position softens the facial shadows even more. This is great light for filling shadows in wrinkled or troubled skin to reduce their appearance and make the subject more attractive. As the photographer, be sure not to block the light falling on the subject's face as you stand with your back to the window.
4. Subject facing into window with photographer to the right (or left) of the subject's shoulder (photographer viewing a profile of the subject). This position lights the mask of the face and creates shadows along the sides of the face. This technique often results in the image having the feeling of a painting.
Rehearse by placing your subject in each of the above positions and observe their differing effects.
Posing Tips
While standing, turn your subject's shoulders (along with the feet) 40 degrees away from the window and turn the face slightly toward the window light. Be sure BOTH eyes have a "catch light" (those little reflections of light in the eyes).
Pose the hands in a pleasing position - crossed arms, on hips, placed on the face, etc.
Or sit your subject in a fancy dining chair with arms (chair angled away from the window) and use the chair arm for your subject to sit or lean on. A chair is also a perfect place to photograph a sitting baby. Chairs can be used in a variety of other creative ways - experiment.
Normally, you would not include the window in your finished portrait. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
If you feel the shadow side of the face is too dark, create a homemade "reflector". Find a 2x2 foot piece of white-colored board and angle it under the subject's jaw line on the dark side of the face, just out of camera range. Be sure the board is catching and reflecting the light from the window back to the subject. This will add additional light to the dark side of the face.
Be sure to remove or disable your flash while using window light. If your camera is dialed to AUTO, your flash will likely pop up automatically due to low light conditions. This will destroy the look of window light. If you're not sure how to disable your flash, refer to your manual
Since you're working in lower light conditions without a flash, your images may appear blurry due to camera shake. If so, use a tripod.
If you don't have access to a window, open a door. You can utilize an open, exterior door in exactly the same way you would a window.
Now that you've learned these professional secrets, you too can create gorgeous portraits at home using window light.
If sample portraits would help you visualize, view them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/betsysnow
