Crafting the Natural Light Look

The One-Light Approach to Creating Striking Portraits with a Strobe or Flash Learn to use a one-light approach for recreating the look of beautiful, natural window light for portraiture! At its best, natural light is magical for portraiture. The quality of natural light streaming through a window can be extraordinary—gorgeous, wrapping light that flatters your subject and can be used to create multiple looks. For years, photographer Sandra Coan exclusively used natural light in her portraiture work. And while the results could be magnificent, she also learned that she could not rely on it to build a business and create consistently great photographs. That’s because natural light is frustratingly unpredictable: sometimes it rains, sometimes the light is too harsh when your clients are available, and sometimes—depending on the time of year—it’s just too dark. In order to grow her business with dependably great results and a high level of professionalism, Sandra finally decided to tackle