What’s the best lighting for my photoshoot?

I always remember one specific photo my grandad took of me in my new ruffle dress and my new doll when I was eight years old. He positioned me in full midday summer sun which was blinding and then told me to open my eyes and smile. That burning Australian summer sun was so intense that my eyes continually watered, and I physically couldn’t open my eyes. Little me was immortalised on film with squinted crinkly eyes, a scrunched-up smile and holding my doll sideways.

direct sunlight during Australian summers is full of blinding harsh glare - little 8yr/old me!

Each time I shoot I am always, always, ALWAYS thinking about that moment in time as it is a core memory of my grandad using his beloved Kodak camera. He loved taking photos in direct sun as he said it was great lighting. I guess the camera capabilities in 1982 and the old school way of direct sun captures were the only way to do photographs. It honestly brings back nostalgia from an easier time.

Generic types of light

·       Dappled light refers to shadows with sun flecks streaming through.

·       Direct light refers to direct sun on the subject (particularly harsh during summer midday sun especially in Australia)

·       Shadow light is created in the full shade and can create different colours depending on the angle of the sun either behind or in front of the subject.

·       Back light is dependent on the position of the sun behind the client and can also vary on time of day.

And then there is Golden Hour which creates a beautiful warm ambient light compared to during middle of the day, where it can create harsh white/blue or white/green tones. In my experience, the GH is optimal to produce some gorgeous colouring not only for the background but also for skin tones.

My favourite time to capture images is golden hour which is really the hours during sunset; approximately 90 minutes before the sun goes down. For sunrise, usually just as the sun rises produces some epic lighting and for about an hour from fully rising into the sky.

It is especially beautiful with the season of Autumn and Winter as the skies produce glorious pinks, purples, and rich orange tones.

If you are keen for a golden hour adventure, be sure to reach out as I would love to work with you!

Rach x

beach sunset engagement shoot

golden hour beach engagement shoot with soft sunset backlight filtering through