photo editing, tutorials
Natural Light Photography Tips + Lightroom & Photoshop Workflow
Welcome to our blog on Natural Light Photography Tips, along with a comprehensive guide to enhancing your images using Lightroom and Photoshop. Capturing moments with natural light can result in breathtaking photographs, showcasing the true essence of your subject. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced photographer, we aim to provide you with practical tips and techniques to make the most of natural light, allowing you to create stunning imagery. In addition, we will explore the power of post-processing tools like Lightroom and Photoshop, unveiling the secrets behind enhancing your photos to perfection. Join us on this journey to unlock the full potential of your photography skills.
Natural Light Photography Tips
In today’s video, I want to start a new series called “How I Get the Shot”. In this series, I will pick one photo that had an interesting process in getting captured or being edited, and explain my thought process and the gear I use. I will also share my editing workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop to show you how I got to the final image.
Finding Models Overseas
One of the questions I often get asked is how I find models when traveling overseas. As you may know, I live in Sydney, Australia, so when I am doing photo shoots in other countries, I have to get in contact with new modeling agencies. To do this, I usually do some research before I travel to a new country and Google the modeling agencies there. I pick my top two or three favorite agencies and contact them once I arrive in that country. For this particular shoot in Poznan, Poland, I booked Martina Cow from Gaga models.
Camera Gear
For this photo shoot, I used my Canon 5D Mark 3 and my Canon 35mm 1.4 Mach 1 lens. I chose the 35mm lens instead of the 50mm because I wanted a wider angle to capture more of the beautiful background.
Getting the Shot
We did multiple looks and used different locations throughout the photo shoot. I wanted to capture a sitting down shot with nice backlight on the model. The park we were shooting in had large trees and dappled sunlight on the ground. Initially, the shots were coming out dark because I was only finding a small patch of sunlight for backlight. However, I realized that we needed more light in front and behind the model to bounce back onto her face. We found a larger patch of sunlight that worked perfectly.
Lightroom Editing Workflow
Now, let’s move on to the editing process in Lightroom. We will start with the raw image straight out of the camera. The park environment created a green cast on the model’s skin, so we will fix that in Lightroom. I edited the final image using my disposable film Lightroom presets.
First, I adjusted the tint to remove as much of the green cast as possible and warmed up the image. Then, I brought back the detail in the background by decreasing the highlights. I also made adjustments to the split toning to warm up the overall image.
Next, I used an adjustment brush to bring more light to the model’s face and other shaded areas. I also adjusted the exposure and shadows. After making these edits, I prefer my images to be slightly darker, so I brought down the exposure a bit more using the adjustment brush.
Photoshop Workflow
Now, let’s move on to Photoshop. The first thing I did was…
Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Light Photography Tips + Lightroom & Photoshop Workflow
1. Why should I consider natural light photography?
Natural light photography offers a unique and beautiful outcome compared to artificial lighting setups. It allows you to capture the essence of the moment, emphasizing the natural beauty of the subject.
2. How can I effectively use natural light in my photography?
To make the most of natural light, try shooting during the golden hour, which is the hour after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft and warm. Avoid harsh mid-day lighting, and position your subject in relation to the light source to create flattering and interesting compositions.
3. Can I enhance my natural light photos using Lightroom and Photoshop?
Absolutely! Lightroom and Photoshop are powerful tools for enhancing and fine-tuning your natural light photos. Lightroom allows you to adjust exposure, colors, and tones, while Photoshop provides advanced editing capabilities like retouching, compositing, and creative effects.
4. How can I achieve a smooth Lightroom and Photoshop workflow?
To streamline your workflow, organize your photos in Lightroom by using catalogs and collections. Apply global adjustments first, then focus on localized adjustments using adjustment brushes or filters. When moving to Photoshop, use smart objects for non-destructive editing and take advantage of layers and masks for precise editing.
5. Are there any specific Lightroom or Photoshop tools that work well for natural light photography?
In Lightroom, tools like the Basic panel, Tone Curve, and HSL/Color adjustments can greatly enhance natural light photos. In Photoshop, tools like Levels, Curves, and the Healing Brush come in handy for fine-tuning and retouching.
6. How can I learn more about natural light photography and Lightroom/Photoshop editing?
There are numerous online resources available, including tutorials, courses, and workshops. You can browse photography blogs, watch YouTube tutorials, enroll in online photography platforms, or join local photography clubs to enhance your skills in natural light photography and editing with Lightroom and Photoshop.
I hope you find useful my article Natural Light Photography Tips + Lightroom & Photoshop Workflow, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
If you need help with anything join the community or do not hesitate to contact me.
Best of luck! and follow your passion.
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