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Photography Basics: Using Natural Light and Common Household Props

Hello, as a natural light Chicago photographer, with a passion for child, newborn, maternity and pet photography, I am always thinking of new and creative ways to achieve great shots. My beautiful daughter is who I can thank for my interest in photography. I believe that quality photography shouldn’t have to break the bank. I love seeing things in a different light… Candid smiles are the best to capture. My angles vary from traditional poses, to abstract & different views of how we all live, laugh and love every day. I’m going to go over a few tried and true techniques for achieving great shots in standard locations. This will hopefully help the budding photographer make the most of natural surroundings while making the subject look great.

The first thing to do is make use of simple props that may be lying around the house or location you are at. Windows are great because they provide natural backlighting and can frame your subject for enhanced visual appeal. To do this, first get your model or child to go outside in front of a window on a sunny day while you stay inside. Position yourself at an angle in front of the window. Let your model stand to the side, towards the center of the window. Take your photograph without the flash – this keeps the flash from showing up as a reflection in the glass.

Now with Halloween coming up, here’s an idea for a child photo session that always comes out great! Buy a large pumpkin and gather some hay. Set the hay in your yard where you can see tree scenery behind where your model will be sitting on the hay bale. Position the pumpkin on the ground to the left or to the right side of the hay bale. Have your subject pose beside the pumpkin, looking at it with amusement is the best. The best time for this kind of shoot is before 10am and after 4pm when the sun is not so harsh.

Another great way to set up a photograph with minimal expense or effort, is to use pillows. Gather up about four to six pillows from around the house, of any color and size. Most people have plenty of small, round pillows or the square ones laying on their beds or couches – these are great! Take the pillows and lay them down on a backdrop or on a white sheet, either in front of a bed or on the floor. Have your model lay on the ground on one of the pillows with the others lying around them in different positions. Pastel or bright colors look especially great for this type of shoot. As you are standing look down at your model. Center the model in the viewfinder and start taking pictures. Make sure to take at least a couple of pictures of the same shot so you know you will get a fantastic image to pick from.

These are just some of the ideas to use when trying to think of easy and affordable methods of creating backdrops or surroundings for your photo shoots. Most beginner photographers focus simply on the model or subject, but the background is just as important for creating the perfect effect with colors and lighting that appeal to the viewer’s eye.

Patricia Anderson is a Chicago area photographer specializing in maternity, child, newborn, pet and wedding photography. She likes to use natural light to bring out the best from her subjects. For more information on Patricia’s rates and style, and to view her portfolio, please visit her website:

Chicago Photographer Patricia Anderson

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