Getting Great Light Indoors

SCOTT KELBY

What's the pros' trick for getting great portrait light indoors without setting up some extensive studio lighting? Use the best light ever creatednatural light. This is such wonderful light that many pros insist on using nothing but natural light for their portraits. To take advantage of this wonderful light source, just position your subject beside a window in your house, office, studio, etc., that doesn't get direct light. The most ideal window light is a north-facing window, but any window getting nice, soft, non-direct sunlight will work. If the window is dirty, that's even better because it helps diffuse the light and makes it even softer. If the only window you have gets direct light, try using sheers (thin curtains that are almost see-throughyou find these in hotel rooms quite often, and they make great light diffusers). You can position your subject standing or sitting, but to keep the light from looking flat, make sure your subject is getting side light from the windownot direct light. The soft shadows on the other side of the face will enhance the portrait and give it depth and interest.

Don't Forget the Shower Curtain Trick

That's itdon't forget the frosted shower curtain trick you learned in Chapter 2. It can work wonderfully well here too, and although your subject may think you're a little lame for pinning up a frosted shower curtain, the people who look at their portrait will only think, "What soft, magical lightingyour photographer must be a genius" (or something along those lines).