How to take Better Pictures - Working with Light in Photography

Many photographers will tell you that light is everything when it comes to capturing the perfect shot. While that might seem obvious, there’s a lot more to it than just pointing your camera at something well-lit. Let’s dig a bit deeper into how you can use light to really make your photos pop.

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Working with Light in Photography

Photography, at its core, is all about capturing light. The way light interacts with your subject can completely change the mood, tone, and overall feel of your image. But how do you harness this light effectively? Let's look at some real-world examples to break it down.

Real-World Example: Overcoming Common Lighting Challenges

A few years back, when I was working as a wedding photographer, I had a guest come up to me with a common problem. He had just returned from a trip with his girlfriend and was frustrated because every time he tried to take her picture, she either appeared too dark, or if she was visible, the sky behind her was completely washed out. No matter what he did, he couldn’t get the effect he was aiming for.

The issue? His girlfriend was standing with her back to the sun, and he was shooting directly into the light. This caused his camera to be overwhelmed by the bright light, leaving her features hidden in shadow. It’s a classic case of poor lighting management. When there’s a big difference in exposure between the subject and the background, the camera struggles to balance it all. Sure, sometimes you can underexpose the shot slightly and bring up the shadows in post-processing, but it’s not a perfect fix. The result is often a loss in quality and colour.

His main mistake was thinking about the composition—his girlfriend in front of a stunning landscape—before considering the lighting conditions. I get it, though. When you’re in a beautiful location, the instinct is to capture the view with your subject front and center. But outdoor lighting changes throughout the day and depending on the weather. So, you’ve got to plan your shots with that in mind.

Timing Is Key: Planning Your Shots Around Light

As a photographer, especially when you’re traveling, you have to prioritize certain moments and accept that you can’t always get perfect lighting conditions at every location you visit in a single day. That’s why professional photographers often spend days, sometimes even weeks, in one spot just to capture that one perfect shot. For our friend, the best solution would’ve been to visit the location at different times of the day—early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) is usually the best for soft, flattering light.

This example may seem a bit dramatic, but it highlights a basic principle: what’s illuminated is visible, and what’s in the dark stays hidden. Instead of fighting against this, we need to learn how to use light to our advantage.

Mastering Light on Location

Take, for example, a visit I made to Quang Phu Cau, a small craftsman village in Vietnam. I was invited into a family workshop to see how they made handmade bamboo baskets. The workshop was cluttered, but the soft morning light illuminated the two women working inside beautifully. By carefully positioning myself, I was able to keep the messy background in the shadows, letting the women’s work shine in the light.

Creating Depth and Drama: Using Light to Enhance Your Subjects

With time and practice, you’ll develop a better understanding of how to control light and use it to create the effect you want. Another moment that stands out for me is when I met a man sitting in a doorway, handcrafting a bamboo basket. The lighting wasn’t quite right, so I asked him to move just a few inches toward the light. The difference was night and day. To add even more drama, I shot him from the darker side, using the strong shadows to add depth and interest to his features.

Light as Your Ultimate Tool in Photography

In the end, mastering light is key to creating compelling photographs. By planning your shots around the available light—rather than forcing the light to work around your shot—you can significantly enhance the quality and impact of your images. Light truly is everything, but how you use it is what sets a good photo apart from a great one.

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I’m a photographer with years of experience capturing everything from weddings to cultural scenes around the world. While I’ve gained a lot of experience over the years, I’m always eager to learn more and also share what I know with others.