Available light portrait photography

For a review of the Fuji X-T2, I met up with one of my favorite models, Anastasiya, in New York. Working with just the Fuji X-T2 and the kit lens that came with it, I wanted to work with just the available light. But I wasn’t just on the lookout for soft, flattering light – I also on the lookout for interesting found light, such as unexpected splashes of light. Available light portrait photography with intent! These two articles will show how surprising it can be to stumble upon interesting available light to enhance a portrait:

• Observing and using the available light  (model: Anelisa)
• Using interesting available light & WB options  (model: Olena)

It turned out to be a slightly cooler than usual late October day. The wind was blustery – which we used to our advantage, going with a more natural look to the portraits.

The photo above was taken with light reflecting off one of the many glass-fronted buildings in Manhattan … something you regularly find if you photograph out on the streets of New York.

That reflected light becomes a relatively small light source, so it will tend to have a harder look – more of a spot-light. Then you have to work with the pose. With this part of the photo session, I deliberately posed Anastasiya so that I’d get either loop lighting or butterfly lighting. Both of those are standard lighting patterns when working in the studio – and the same idea can be applied for available light portraits like these.

Loop lighting – the shadow of the nose is slightly to the side of the nose, creating a ‘loop’.
Butterfly lighting – the shadow of the nose is directly under the nose, creating a wavy shape.

So when working with available light that is more directional, this is the idea I keep in mind in posing my subject – creating one of those lighting patterns to get flattering light.

Techie details about this image.

• 1/250  @  f/4  @ 250 ISO
• Cross-Processing effect with Alien Skin Exposure X

• Fuji X-T2  (B&H / Amazon)
• Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS  (B&H / Amazon)

Here is the over-my shoulder view to show where the light was reflecting from:

• 1/1250 @ f/5.6 @ 1250 ISO

• Fuji X-T2  (B&H / Amazon)
• Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS  (B&H / Amazon)

The intention here was to capture something that looked candid and not staged (even though it was). I wanted to shoot entire sequences as Anastasiya walked past me, and turned around – while I tried to grab photos when she hit the various spots of light reflecting off the building opposite us. There were also numerous passersby – after all, this is 42nd Street in Manhattan. I therefore had to time my shots, and even asked Anastasiya to pause while pedestrians passed by. Here is a screen shot of part of the ‘filmstrip’ in Bridge, to show a sample of the images.

Even with such bright light, I bumped up the ISO fairly high (1250 ISO), because I wanted the fast shutter speed. I was walking alongside Anastasiya, or allowing her to walk past me and turn around.  A lot of movement, and I wanted to avoid camera shake from me taking photos while walking, and avoid subject movement blur.

I love the look to the photos we got here – they have an enigmatic quality that appeals to me.

Summary

With these examples I wanted to show that there is intent in how I work with my subjects – in the first example it was to create a specific lighting pattern. In the second example, to emulate a specific mood or feel.

Related articles

• Observing and using the available light  (model: Anelisa)
• Using interesting available light & White Balance options  (model: Olena)
• Available light portraits – finding that sweet spot  (model: Irene B)
• Available light portraits – Composition, light and style  (model: Christy)
• Portrait lighting patterns: Loop lighting & Butterfly lighting  (model: Anelisa)
• More articles on Available-Light Photography
• review: Fuji X-T2 camera