![Yellow/Light [Nurture Photography]](http://www.bumblesandlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/DSC_0419BLOGHEAD.jpg)
Yellow/Light [Nurture Photography]
Yellow has become the predominant colour of the streets on our walk to school each morning, Mikey kicking his way through the golden leaves that have already blown down to the edges of the sidewalk. The leaves fly up around his legs and scatter, the gentle autumn sunlight catching each one in turn.
The light is different in the Autumn, softer, the sun is lower in the sky and our days are drawing shorter as we head steadily towards winter. We find ourselves having to change our shooting methods a little to make the most of the beautiful light we have this time of year.
Because the days are shorter now, I find that it’s a good time to take advantage of the earlier sunset to take some photos that use backlighting.
Backlighting Tips
Backlighting is where you shoot your subject with the sun behind them. In photography, you can achieve various moods by using different types of lighting and when backlighting you can decide how sun-drenched you want your photos to be. Let that dictate your choice of location, sun position and direction of shooting. Wide fields are going to give you more bright golden sunlight behind your subjects, whereas trees and buildings will give you some nice open shade to utilize while still having the sun in the background.
The best kind of time for shooting backlit photos is either early in the morning as the sun rises or later in the evening as the sun sets, when the sun is lower in the sky. This changes with the seasons and your location so there’s not an exact time, but you can check when time the sun rises and sets in your area.
When metering for backlit photos, you should use spot metering and meter off of your subject for correct exposure. Your background may end up over exposed, but with this type of lighting that is not something to worry about. If you are able to, use a reflector to bounce a little light back onto your subject. You can eliminate sun flare by placing your subject in front of something that softens the strong light, or you can embrace the sun flare and use it to add a different element to your photos.
How you position yourself and the subject while taking the photo will change the way your photograph is lit. You don’t have to have the sun directly behind your subject, so don’t be worried about moving yourself around: You should have the sun exactly where you want it. Alternatively you can have the sun directly behind your subject for a more dramatic effect.
I’m teaming up with Kristi of Live and Love Out Loud to bring you the Nurture Photography Autumn Challenge – a photography challenge aimed at capturing the beauty of fall.
Just a few details:
All are welcome regardless of skill level, camera equipment or geographic location.
Share your favorite images inspired by our weekly prompts each Friday and grab our lovely button while you’re at it!
The linky will remain open from 9am Friday – 9am Thursday CST. Link to your Nurture Photography blog post or Flickr photo, not your blog’s home page or Flickr photostream. Don’t forget to visit and comment on the previous entry in the linky list.
We’ll be showcasing some of your lovely photos by pinning some of our favorites to the Nurture Photography Inspiration Board.
The Nurture Photography Challenge has taken to Facebook! Stop by, “like” our new Facebook fan page, ask questions and share your work on our wall as well.
We love Instagram just as much as you do! We’ll be on the lookout for your beautiful fall photos, so be sure to use the #nurturephoto hashtag to receive a little bit of Instagram love.
Next week’s prompt will be Orange/Warmth. For a complete list of prompts, head on over to the Nurture Photography page.
Love the shots…great tips!
Tiffany
Great photos! I think backlighting is perfect for fall leaves!
Danelle´s last post ..NURTURE PHOTOGRAPHY FALL PHOTO CHALLENGE: YELLOW
Gorgeous backlighting – have become pretty obsessed with it at the moment and am enjoying playing with my new speed light for fill-in. Great fun!
Barbara´s last post ..Nurture Photography/The Weekend in Black and White…
I love your backlighting with the fall leaves. They look ethereal.
Rowan & Oak´s last post ..yellow
Thank you so much for the tips
I wish I can make it work! Your photos are always so gorgeous!!!
Mona´s last post ..Yellows… to be gone
Between the dry conditions and recent hard frost our fall colors didn’t last long. I notice that some of the trees that had turned yellow are not as vibrant as they were 3 weeks ago. In the light of the sunrise the trees look almost gold. It is beautiful.
Thanks for the backlight tips.
Robyn´s last post ..Sheep Industry Synopsis ~ Guest Post
Gorgeous backlit photos! I have a shoot early next week … looking forward to putting these great tips in action! Thanks!
Tish´s last post ..Nurture Photography Autumn Challenge | Yellow/Light
I’m in love with backlighting-both dramatic and soft
Love all your shots…especially the last few!
Lish´s last post ..Nurture Photography Challenge-Yellow & Light
Backlighting is my new favourite thing, I think…been drawn to it all summer; could be the glowing field of yellow behind my house that’s been the inspiration
Thanks so much for the tips…and for hosting this challenge! That last shot of your is magical, btw <3
Tezzie´s last post ..Autumn Colour – Yellow
I just love the way you captured the rich gold tones. So beautiful and truly what I associate with autumn.
Thank you for hosting and for the wonderful lighting tips! I love learning more!
Vivien´s last post ..Nurture Photography Fall Challenge – Yellow/Light
Great photos. I love backlighting! Great tips too!
LaShawn´s last post ..Nurture Photography: Fall arrives
[...] to: show off your shot, fabulous Friday, this or that Thursday, love bug, sweet shot Tuesday, Bumbles & Light Rate this:Share this:FacebookTwitterDiggPinterestTumblrLike this:Like2 bloggers like this. Tags: [...]
really great shots and advise! I love shooting photos in the fall towards evening!
Tiaras & Tantrums´s last post ..How Was your Weekend?
Amazing photos and great tips!
Amanda Jillian´s last post ..Yellow {Nurture Photography}
[...] am joining Kristi and Rebecca, hosts of Nurture Photography, and LETSBEWILD with this post. Feel free to join with your [...]
These are very useful tips, Rebecca. Thank you for sharing.
Imelda´s last post ..YELLOW AND LIGHT
great tips and beautiful photos!!
Great shots and tips.
Great tips! Thank you!
These photos are stunning, Rebecca! Your tips are wonderful as well. Of course, you never disappoint.
Kristi {at} Live and Love Out Loud´s last post ..Yellow/Light {Nurture Photography – Fall}
[...] light before sunset. Backlit leaf photos are particularly stunning. Rebecca’s got some great backlit photography tips to guide you.White Balance – Adjust your white balance settings to create warm tones. Need a [...]