FAQ: Are Cloudy Days Good Lighting For Pictures?
Perhaps the best part of any picture is the lighting. Lighting can be a really complicated subject β but when it comes to portraits, soft and flattering lighting is what 99% of people want. As a client, having a basic understanding on how lighting works is good to know. Here are a few quick tips on lighting and an answer to the question β are cloudy days good lighting for pictures π
Bright, Sunny Days Are Not Necessarily βGoodβ Lighting
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First and foremost, you need light to be able to take a picture π But not all light is good lighting! And the abundance of light is also not necessarily a great thing eitherβ¦ one of the most common misconceptions is that the afternoon is great for lighting because there is a lot of light. The reason why this is not true is because although there is a lot of light in the middle of the afternoon, the quality of the lighting is not ideal. Especially in the direct sunlight.
When the sun is high in the sky (afternoon), it creates harsh lighting situations. Harsh lighting can be understood as sharp contrasts between highlights and shadows. For portraits, this is not ideal. But you can definitely still take pictures in the afternoon. In situations where there is a lot of light, taking pictures in the shade or having your back to the sun are workarounds.
Cloudy Days Are AWESOME In Terms of Lighting
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When you see a bunch of clouds in the sky β you should get EXCITED! While a bright blue sky and a sunny day is great for leisurely activities β it is not great for pictures π Cloudy days are, in fact, much better lighting! At certain times of the day (afternoon), the sun is really high in the sky and creates harsh lighting. Clouds do an amazing job of diffusing this harsh lighting and turning it into soft and flattering light.
The Location of the Session Has a Lot to Do With The Lighting
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Lastly, the location of where your pictures are being taken is also important for lighting. As a general rule, you want your back to the sun. Having your back to the sun eliminates squinting. And it also ensures that the lighting on your face is shaded and not a mixture of highlights and shadows. If you plan on taking pictures at a certain location, you will want to make sure that they are taken at the right time of the day. This is a time where your back will be to the sun or there is shade π
Hopefully these are some useful tips on lighting. Are cloudy days good lighting for pictures? YES!!! If you are looking to schedule family portraits, I would love to connect
