3 Tips for Using Natural Light For Videos

Using Natural Light in your videos and the most cost-effective way to shoot video.

What do I mean by “natural light”? Is natural light just from being outside or can this mean using natural for interior shots also?

silhouette of grasses against the light of setting sun
Photo by Brittany on Pexels.com

Natural Light-Sun light, sunbeams, harnessing light created by the sun, clouds, capturing the brightness. Being able to capture natural light for more creative videos and or photos.

So what does mean? 

First to truly define Natural Light in simple terms, is light that is generated naturally, the common source of which is the Sun. This is as opposed to artificial light, which is typically produced by electrical appliances such as lamps.

But how can you use natural light to your advantage?

I have 3 quick tips for you to use when using natural light.

  1. Use nature to your advantage
  2. Do not shoot directly into the glaring sun
  3. Find the best angle- how to do this- [ video]

Let’s start with using nature to our advantage:

Using natural light can add a beautiful and unique quality to your photographs. Here are some tips on how to use natural light to your advantage in photography:

Observe the light: Pay attention to the direction, intensity, and color of the natural light. The quality of natural light changes throughout the day, so take advantage of different times of day and weather conditions.

Use the Shade: Harsh sunlight can create harsh shadows and blown-out highlights. Use the shade of trees, buildings, or other objects to soften the light and create a more even exposure.

Do not shoot directly into the glaring sun

Shooting photos or video directly into the glaring sun can result in several issues that can negatively affect the quality of your images:

This is so true especially if you are taking a selfie, you squint your eyes, because of the glare and brightness of the sun. 

Avoid Overexposure: Be mindful of the exposure settings on your camera when shooting in bright sunlight. Overexposure can cause your photos to look washed out and lacking in detail.

Contrast: Shooting directly into the sun can create a high-contrast scene, with bright highlights and deep shadows.

Find the best angle- how to do this- [ video]

When shooting video using natural light, finding the best angle is essential to create a visually appealing and engaging video. Here are some tips to help you find the best angle to shoot your video using natural light:

Observe the light: Before you start shooting, take the time to observe the natural light in your shooting location. Pay attention to the direction, intensity, and color of the light, and how it changes throughout the day.

Consider the subject: The angle you choose to shoot from should highlight and showcase the subject of your video. Think about what you want to convey through your video and choose an angle that complements the subject.

Look for interesting textures and patterns: Natural light can highlight interesting textures and patterns, so look for surfaces like walls, floors, or foliage that can add visual interest to your video.