Week 6, Window Light Portrait

Janie, by Window light, JN (My sister in law's niece)

Hi Everyone,

Go back and read the week 6 section of the syllabus. This week, I'd like you to revisit the idea of a portrait by natural, window light. Work with someone you know and love. Your child, parent, sibling, best friend or grandparent. 1. Turn off your flash 2. Take them by a window and let the natural light illuminate the face. Look at this example Allow your subject to settle down. Here's a young child by window light. All of your cameras can do this when you see the light correctly and let things calm down. 3. Zoom in moderately, don't zoom out. It will keep you back from your subject and their features will be in better proportion and more pleasing. 4. Avoid direct sunlight as it is too harsh. 5. Don't let your subject wear white... dark colors are much better as the eye goes to the face easier.

Littlewing has created a dynamic, in your face, wide angle, shot with flash series of her Boston Terrier on fotothing. Here she is doing everything I'm asking you not to do, using flash and a wide angle (zoomed out) lens setting. The effect is one crazed dog! (which I like) She should go back and try her Grandpa, Opa now by window light. Give it your best shot.