Day 2 - Finding and Shaping Natural Light

BY ANJA BURGAR
Day 2
Finding and shaping

natural light
Observe the I thought, I just don't have that kind
of light in my home.
light around you

And let me tell you, that's not true.
If you have a window, you have

When starting out my food
light. And that's all you need.
photography journey, I drooled
over the beautiful ight everyone

Everything else is knowing what to
was getting and I felt stuck!
do with it and how to shape it.
USEYOURNOODLES.EU PAGE 1
Sure, there might be times when the natural light is scarce or the light is
either too soft or too harsh for your liking.
Through developing your skills you'll be able to tame any kind of light and
use it to your advantage. And to tell the amazing food story you've come
up with.
The light you choose to work with determines the brightness and shadows,
but also the look and feel of your image!
Quality and direction of light
When it comes to light there are many different types of light, but the most
basic concepts are soft and hard light. I suggest you start by exploring
soft light and only then play around with hard light.
Soft light is the light that is diffused and produces soft shadows.
Photographing in soft light produces very pleasant calming look.
The second characteristic of light is the direction of light. For the best
results use sidelight or backlight or anything in between. Front light can
make food look very flat, so avoid using front light.
Simple gear for shaping light
1. DIFFUSER. Diffuser is used to diffuse light and create softer shadows.

No need for investing into professional diffusers just yet. A thin white
curtain or tracing paper are great!
2. REFLECTORS. Reflectors are used to bounce back a portion of the light

to the part of the dish that's opposite to the window. This way you can
brighten the shadows. You can use white foamboard or white cardboard.
3. BLACK FILLS. Similar to reflectors they are placed opposite to the

window, but instead of brightening the shadows they are used to create
darker shadows. Any black cardboard or foam board will do!
4. BLOCKERS. Blockers are any items that you place between your subject
and the window, to create intentional shadows.
Dark & Moody Setup
Dark and moody images are usually the ones that evoke stronger
emotions. The idea is to create a strong contrast between the subject and
the backdrop. You can do that by having a very narrow strip of light
hitting your dish.
Here's an example of a very simple setup I often use to create a moody
look in my images:
Bright & Airy Setup
Bright and airy images have a super relaxing but also clean look. By
carefully choosing not only the light but also the props, you can create a
very light and fresh feel. Opposite to the dark and moody, bright images
are created by shooting near a large window. Often times some reflectors
are needed to add some light to the other side of your subject.
Here's an example of a very simple setup I use to create a bright look in
my images:
Your assignment for today
Using a simple food object, like a bowl of fruit, pick one window in your
home and take a photo. Without using a diffuser.
Then add a diffuser and take another photo.
Lastly, try using a reflector or a black fill and take a photo.
Compare those images and see how the look and feel changes.
Post your best photo on Instagram. Tag me in the photo and use the
#UYN_photocourse tag so I can see it.
If you haven't joined yet, I have a free e-course diving deep into
finding and taming natural light in your home. You can get it
here.
Keep an eye on lesson three, which is coming to your mail box
tomorrow.
Enjoy your day!
My name is Anja Burgar and I'm a food photographer, food stylist, food
photography coach and food blogger based in Slovenia. I provide tools,
education, motivation and inspiration to help aspiring food photographers
find their style and gain the confidence to start getting those photography
clients they've always wanted.
I've started with food photography through my blog and over the years I've
grown a successful food photography and coaching business. I've worked
with international clients to help them create their vision, build their skills
and achieve their goals.
PAGE 9
@USEYOURNOODLES
Copyright © 2020 Anja Burgar | Use Your Noodles
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any
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How can natural light be shaped and used for food photography?

How can natural light be shaped and used for food photography?

What are some simple tools that can be used to shape natural light?

What are some simple tools that can be used to shape natural light?

BY ANJA BURGAR

Finding and shaping

light around you

If you have a window, you have

over the beautiful ight everyone

either too soft or too harsh for your liking.

but also the look and feel of your image!

Photographing in soft light produces very pleasant calming look.

results use sidelight or backlight or anything in between. Front light can

make food look very flat, so avoid using front light.

1. DIFFUSER. Diffuser is used to diffuse light and create softer shadows.

curtain or tracing paper are great!

2. REFLECTORS. Reflectors are used to bounce back a portion of the light

3. BLACK FILLS. Similar to reflectors they are placed opposite to the

darker shadows. Any black cardboard or foam board will do!

hitting your dish.

Here's an example of a very simple setup I often use to create a moody

Here's an example of a very simple setup I use to create a bright look in

home and take a photo. Without using a diffuser.

Then add a diffuser and take another photo.

Lastly, try using a reflector or a black fill and take a photo.

#UYN_photocourse tag so I can see it.

Keep an eye on lesson three, which is coming to your mail box

Enjoy your day!

photography coach and food blogger based in Slovenia. I provide tools,

education, motivation and inspiration to help aspiring food photographers

clients they've always wanted.

grown a successful food photography and coaching business. I've worked

and achieve their goals.

form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical

permission requests, write to the author at the email address below.

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