Learning Lighting: Natural Light

Course details

In this course, photographer and educator Erin Manning shows beginning photographers how to appreciate and work with natural light. First Erin takes a look at the qualities of light, from softness to direction to color, and details the camera settings that help you get the most out of the scene's available light. Then Erin works together with a student to shoot a natural-light portrait, employing inexpensive accessories such as reflectors along the way.

Learning objectives
Learning to identify the quality of light
Avoiding color casts
Setting exposure, white balance, and ISO
Finding good natural light
Reflecting and diffusing light
Understanding lighting ratios

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Exploring the structure of this course

1. Understanding Light

02 - Understanding soft and hard light
03 - Understanding the direction of light
04 - Understanding the color cast of light

2. Understanding How to Control Light In-Camera

05 - Understanding exposure and light
06 - Setting white balance in camera
07 - Understanding ISO settings

3. Working with Light

08 - Making the most of good light
09 - Working with open shade
10 - Working with window light
11 - Working with overcast light

4. Working with Tools for Modifying Light

12 - Working with the light and diffusion
13 - Working with reflectors to supplement light
14 - Working with a combination of diffusion and reflected light

5. Shooting Scenarios with a Student

15 - Shooting scenario - Working with sun
16 - Shooting scenario - Working in the shade

Conclusion

17 - Next steps