One of the first things I learned about photography was that it was all about letting enough light into the camera. Most of the camera’s workings are based on manipulating the available light to make a photo.

Available light is just that. It is the natural lighting outside and around the house that is available to you without using anything extra.  I am a big fan of available light.

It could be a big north facing window or a sunset, or the candles on a birthday cake.

Each of these will cause a different effect.

There are six basic elements to lighting:

• quality
• strength
• color (white, golden, red tones)
• size
• distance
• direction

These come together to make or break your photo.

Sometimes, manipulating these elements can help you to create effects.

An example of this is using your available light from a side on direction to create shadows and depth to a subject.

If you can, avoid harsh sunlight. It can create lots of shadows and squinting and can bring out all the lines and hard angles of a person. The subject won’t thank you for it either!

The middle of the day is the worst time for this kind of light.

If you take pictures in the early morning hours or in the evening, you will get lots of red tones, which soften the face and create a nice ‘glow’.

So, learn to love the light you have and use it to your advantage and you and your camera will make beautiful music…er, I mean pictures together!