Light It Up!
Let’s talk about something that literally makes or breaks a photo: light.
Not gear. Not editing. Not that perfect Instagram filter you keep saving but never actually use.
Lighting.
If you’ve ever looked at someone’s dreamy, glowing photo and thought, “How the heck did they do that?” — you're not alone. Good news: it’s not magic. It’s just clever lighting.
And the even better news? You don’t need a studio or expensive equipment to start lighting like a pro. You just need to know how to see light differently — and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today.
The Magic of Light: Why It Matters
Think of light as your photo’s mood director.
Want drama? Backlight it.
Want softness? Diffuse it.
Want a little mystery? Play with shadows.
Once you start using light on purpose instead of just hoping it looks good, your photos go from “meh” to “WOW.”
1. Natural Light Is Your Best Friend (If You Know How to Use It)
You're not “just” using natural light — you're harnessing it.
Here’s how to work with it creatively:
Golden Hour = Instant Magic: Shoot 1 hour after sunrise or before sunset. Everything looks like it’s bathed in fairy dust.
Window Light = Free Softbox: Indoors? Get close to a window. Use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh light. Instant glow.
Cloudy Days = Soft & Dreamy: Overcast? Don’t cancel the shoot. That’s nature’s softbox in action.
Use Shadows for Mood: Let the light partially fall on your subject. Think blinds, trees, or curtains. Hello, cinematic vibes.
→ Try This: Place a glass of water by a window and watch how the light bends through it. Now imagine that with a face. Beautiful distortion? Yes!
2. Experiment With Direction: Where Light Falls Matters
Light from the front? Safe.
Light from the side? Interesting.
Light from behind? Ooooh, drama.
Here’s your cheat sheet:
Front lighting: Great for beauty shots, flatters skin, but lacks depth.
Side lighting: Adds drama and dimension, perfect for portraits.
Backlighting: Creates halos, silhouettes, or dreamy lens flares (think, nostalgia!).
→ Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid of backlight. Just expose for your subject’s face or embrace the silhouette.
3. Use What You Have (Yes, Even Your Desk Lamp)
Lighting doesn’t have to mean studio strobes or ring lights. Some of the coolest photos come from random light sources you already have:
A lamp with no shade (great for moody lighting)
Fairy lights (bokeh heaven)
A flashlight on your phone (think, spotlight effect)
Even a TV screen (colored glow for days)
→ Try This Challenge: Shoot one object using three different household light sources. You’ll be surprised how different each shot feels.
4. Colored Light = Instant Mood Shift
Gel lighting isn’t just for music videos.
Want to add personality or tell a story through color? Use colored cellophane over a flashlight or point a colored LED at your subject.
Red = Intense.
Blue = Calm.
Purple = Creative.
Yellow = Happy.
Want to get really fun? Mix them. Create contrast. Make art.
5. Shadows Are Part of the Story
Most beginners try to avoid shadows like the plague. But shadows create shape, mood, and mystery.
Think of shadows as a way to leave something out — and that’s often more intriguing than showing it all.
→ Creative Tip: Try shooting through lace, leaves, or blinds to cast patterned shadows on your subject’s face or background.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Fancy Gear to Light Creatively
You already have what it takes to create stand-out photos — your eyes, your instincts, and your willingness to experiment.
Lighting isn’t just a technical skill. It’s an art form.
So play. Move around. Try new things. Light from below just to see what happens.
You’re not messing up — you’re creating your signature style.
And that’s what makes your work unforgettable.
Ready to light things up in your next shoot?
I’d love to see what creative lighting ideas you try next. Tag me on Instagram @karen_moreland_photography so I can cheer you on.
Got questions? Message me and ask away — I’m here for you!
Until next time, stay inspired — and light with intention.
