Indoor Lighting Photography Tips
Winter in Utah is way too long. The first snow fall usually is sometime in October and the last snow fall is in March or April. A 30 degree day feels like spring! So many people wait until spring and summer to take those really awesome outdoor pictures of their kids, pets, husbands, girlfriends, roommates and memories. Lets be real, outside pictures are the best! As each 4 degree day passes, we aren’t getting any younger. In fact, my baby is growing like a weed. It would be a shame to miss capturing all these special moments.
FAQ 1: How do I take pictures inside?
Today, I’d like to share with you all some tips on taking indoor pictures in your home without studio lighting or a flash!
Tip #1: Light up your subject!
Find the light in the room. In this case it was the window. It can also be an open door. Turn off the overhead light during the day, so you don’t mix light sources.
My favorite way to use the windows is by putting my subject at a slight angle facing the light.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO PUT YOUR SUBJECT IN THE HOT SPOTS like this:
Tip #2: Don’t use flash
what not to do | with pop up flash
I went to a dark hallway in my house to demonstrate the difference between flash and manual settings.
what not to do | with pop up flash
Nikon D600, 50 mm f/1.8 @ 50mm, f/1.8, 1/60s, ISO 1250
Tip #3: Catch light
If you really want to add a spark to your images, think about highlighting your subjects eyes with catch light. Catch light is a light source that highlights the subject’s eyes.
no catch light | block the light from hitting the corner of eyes | what not to do
Tip #4: (For DSLR users) Use Manual Mode
Aperture: Use the largest aperture (smallest number) your lens can handle to let in the most light. In these images, I kept my aperture wide open at f/1.8.
ISO: My ISO was low at 160 in these images. When you can’t get enough light in the room, increase your ISO. Keep in mind that the bigger the number means there will be more noise. A higher ISO will allow you to keep your shutter speed higher, which is especially helpful for moving children or pets.
Shutter Speed: Since it was so bright, I was able to keep my shutter speed high. If I was shooting at night, I would put it as low as 1/60 to let in more light.
Nikon D600, 50 mm f/1.8 @ 50mm, f/1.8, 1/500s, ISO 160
Nikon D600, 50 mm f/1.8 @ 50mm, f/1.8, 1/400s, ISO 160
Indoor Lighting Photography Tips Examples
PIN IT!
FIND MORE TIPS FOR BEGINNERS HERE
Intro to Digital Photography Ebook. Learn how to use your DSLR to take better pictures of your kids, vacations and every day life.
Kylee is the owner and founder of Kylee Ann Studios, where she’s spent more than 15 years building a photography business rooted in creativity, connection, and serving her clients well. She’s a mom, business owner, and photographer who loves making people feel comfortable and capturing the real moments that make their stories unique.
She specializes in commercial and brand photography, family photography, weddings, seniors, newborns, and more throughout Cache Valley and Northern Utah.
December 2, 2015
Kylee Maughan
