• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Photography Concentrate

Learn Photography Faster!

  • Blog
  • Learn
    • Camera Skills
    • Light Skills
    • Composition Skills
    • Photo Editing Skills – Lighroom
    • Creativity Field Guide
    • Shoot Awesome Video
    • Pro – Build Your Business
      • Photography Income Formula
      • Simple Wedding Photography
      • Awesome Album Design Skills
      • Really Easy Retouching
  • About
  • Free Resources
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Video / The Awesome Light Hiding In Your Home

The Awesome Light Hiding In Your Home

Updated on March 17, 2020 by Lauren Lim

Did you know that you already own one of the most effective, variable, and attractive lighting setups in all of photography? In fact, you probably own at least 5 of them.

They’re commonly known as windows.

Yep, window light is a wondrous thing. It’s free, all over the darn place, and really really really gorgeous. You basically get the effect of a superhuge softbox, without the superhuge pricetag.


The key to great photography with window light is using your eyes. Look at what’s in front of you, decide if you like it, and adjust to taste. It’s seriously that easy! And once you start to experiment, the possiblities are endless!

In this video, Lauren takes you through some of the reasons why window light is so rad, and a few different looks you can achieve in seconds. Check it out now!

Tips For Awesome Window Light Shooting

  • Use your eyes. Think about the light in front of you. Does it look cool?
  • Shut off all other lights in the room so you only have one light source (otherwise white balancing is going to be a pain!)
  • Expose for the bright side of the subject to avoid blowing out your highlights
  • Expose for the subject when using backlighting (and the window is going to blow out. That’s ok)
  • If the sun is coming directly through the window, you’ll end up with harsh light instead of soft. You might want that, or you might want to use a different window to get the soft stuff
  • When shooting people, try to get catchlights in their eyes to brighten them up. Catchlights are the little white reflections of the light source that show up in eyes. They’re good things.

Different Types of Lighting To Try With A Window

  • Different positions along the window (back, middle, front)
  • Front lighting and backlighting
  • Adjust the angle that your subject is facing the window at
  • Adjust the distance your subject is from the window

Exercise

Window light is extra awesome because you can practice it at home! Just grab your partner, your kids, your pet, your friend, or your stuffed animal. Anything will do!

Have them stand near a window, and try to get as much variety in your lighting as you can simply by adjusting their position.

I bet you’ll be totally amazed at how easy, gorgeous, and fun it is to shoot with only a window!

Filed Under: Video

About Lauren Lim

Hey friend, I’m Lauren! I’m a photography ninja here at Photography Concentrate. I’m downright obsessed with photography, and love sharing it with super cool folks like yourself. When I’m not shooting, or writing, you can find me cooking (and eating!), traveling, and hanging out with wonderful people.

Primary Sidebar

Hi there!


We're The Photography Concentrate Team: Daniel, Kaitlyn and Kristal. Think of us as your photo friends – we’re here to help you take great photos, and have a ton of fun together while we’re at it!

Instagram Twitter Facebook YouTube Browse the Archives

Footer

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Learn
  • About

Connect

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Newsletter

Important Stuff

  • Comment Policy
  • Material Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Earnings Disclaimer

Disclaimer

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additionally, we participate in other affiliate programs and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

Return to top of page
Copyright © 2020 Photography Concentrate

newsletterpopupheader

Get FREE photography training today!

Subscribe to our newsletter and learn how to take awesome photos, and get tons of free stuff to make it faster, and easier!
Join today and get instant access!

Join our +48,000 photographer pals, and get our very best content and freebies delivered straight to your inbox!
Register To This Secret Photography Training (FREE but seats are limited!)
How To Start & Grow
A Professional Photography Business
And Get Paid For Your Photos In The Next 30 Days
This method works even if you don’t have expensive gear and don’t want to chase clients!

We like to keep it a small group so we can engage together.
Our webinars are always filled to the last seat.
ONLY reserved seats will gain access to the room!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkView our Privacy Policy