Light.
One of my 2010 goals that has now carried over into 2011 goals, is to blog more. And blog more than just pretty pictures. Yes, still lots of weddings and babies and kids and families and dogs but more than that too. More of Ike, more of us, more of life, more random stuff and more photo talk. So since we are in the heart of another Minnesota winter, I thought I would write a little bit about light. Or maybe about the lack of light.
I photograph a lot of kids/people in their own environments which means I end up inside peoples’ homes a lot. Inside = dark. When I enter someone’s home, I immediately notice where the windows are which generally means where the “nice light” is. I almost always put my back to the window and have the subject face towards the window. Noticing where your light source is and then adjusting where you are shooting in relation to the light source is a very basic and easy way to make your photos look a million times better, even on a point and shoot camera. This example shows the difference between having the subject face the window (on the left) versus me facing and shooting against the window (on the right). I think it’s always best to have the subject face the window. From the expression on this little girls face in the corresponding photos, I think she agrees with me.
And this shows just how much I love having my back to the window:
So as long as we are on the photo talk subject, was this a helpful post? Were you like, duh that is old news? I certainly will never claim that my way is the right way but if I can shed even a little light (pun intended) on the topic of photography to any of my blog readers (whom I love!), that would make me happy. So if you have a burning photography question or would like to me blog about a certain topic like shooting on manual, post processing, photographing kids, etc, etc, would you leave me a comment or send a message? I’d be thrilled to have some blogging ideas!

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Salwa | February 3, 2011 at 8:57 am
This is a great tip for those just starting out! I would LOVE to hear more about photographing babies/kids. Pick an age range, or discuss a few, (bonus if you discuss toddlers who aren’t all that inclined to sit still!) – they’re all tricky in different ways. Thanks 🙂
sjenz | February 3, 2011 at 9:09 am
Yes! Love this post EG! I remember you saying once (or maybe twice) that “I take photos of people, not things”. I can’t tell you how much that little phrase has stuck in my head & my shoots have reflected that since then. Yes! I’ve always thought that you’d be awesome as a teacher of your stellar skills (and am sure just your blog readers alone would fill up a classroom…or stadium) How cool this was also on your to-do list via your blog! Yes, keep the good info & advice comin’ 🙂 “light the way”! (lame pun, I know..)
candace | February 3, 2011 at 9:19 am
Great post!!!! (Also, very adorable headband!) It was very helpful!
zack | February 3, 2011 at 10:21 am
How about an iphone photo tips!? Your iphone life album on Facebook is awesome!
emily | February 3, 2011 at 10:45 am
Squirmy toddlers and iphone photography tips coming right up!
Melissa Zahn | February 3, 2011 at 12:06 pm
You have an amazing eye for the things you do. I always like the “non-traditional” shots of things. I don’t care for the staging part of photography. I would love to know more about lens. You should just teach a class!! I know there is tons out there so it’s hard to cover everything, but maybe what it your most used lens? Or your favorite lens? And, why?
Melissa Zahn | February 3, 2011 at 12:07 pm
That would be lenses. 🙂
erica | February 3, 2011 at 2:57 pm
maybe a blog on your photography history “a business in the making” more or less…. who was your first photo subject? and would you feel that you could give him/HER(!!!) a little bit of credit for your amazing talent? 🙂
Cora | February 3, 2011 at 6:54 pm
This is a great post Emily! Thank you for sharing. I remember you doing this tutorial with me in your office. I think about that every time I am “trying” to photograph my kids. I would really like to learn more about the post processing and using photoshop to my advantage. Also, I think we would all like to learn how you got your start… and when you are ready to give us your fancy camera!
Cora | February 3, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Cute headband by the way!!!
Kelli | February 6, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Good tip. So, what do we do if there isn’t natural light? (Say at night indoors –or in a TINY home with very few windows in Beaverdale…) Some tips for dealing with artificial light would be awesome to add to this blog.
Kate | February 10, 2011 at 9:23 am
Great idea, what about pets? Ike seems to be such a good picture taker, but maybe dogs are just better at that than cats. Daisy is just a handful when it is time for pictures. I think I waste 10-12 pictures to get just 1 good one…
Wendy Burgess | February 17, 2011 at 8:18 pm
I think you should hold a class too. 🙂 You are a great teacher. We are having another boy in June and can’t wait to have you photograph our family again!
Elise Sykes | April 22, 2011 at 9:25 pm
More TIPS PLEEEAAASSSEEE!!! And I love your headband!
Sara Jaeger | December 3, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Emily, this was really helpful. I’m enjoying reading all your photo tips. Thanks!