ANNA WARD
There is this common misconception in photography that “bad lighting” exists. Most photographers dread the high-noon sun, but my recent session with the beautiful Anna Ward proved that harsh light can be used in your favor if you can find the right angles and shaded areas. This lighting is just an opportunity for high contrast creativity.
Anna and I spent the afternoon blending the cozy atmosphere of a local coffee shop with the beautiful textures of the sun around us.
The Vibe: Caffeine and Creativity
We started the session outside, leaning into the warm atmosphere that the sun gave us. There were tons of shaded areas around to give us more diversity in the photos. There were pillars that Anna leaned on facing the sun, and facing away from the sun, that created an elegant editorial vibe. We then went inside the coffee shop to create a moody environment. The space was a perfect mix of industrial metal and soft wood tones—a playground for a creative portrait artist.
Window Light Magic: Even indoors, the sun was a factor. We used large storefront windows to create dramatic "Rembrandt" lighting, where the shadows on Anna's face added depth and a touch of mystery to the shots.
Props as Storytellers: A simple latte or a vintage book isn't just a prop; it gives the subject something to do with their hands, making the poses feel organic rather than forced.
Mastering the Harsh Midday Sun
Seek the “Open Shade”
The easiest way to get soft, flattering skin tones in the middle of the day is to find open shade. This is an area, like under an awning, a large tree, or in the shadow of a building, where the subject is shielded from direct beams but still hit with plenty of ambient light.
Lean Into the Shadows
If you can’t hide from the sun, use it. Direct sunlight creates hard shadows, which are perfect for "Noir" style photography.
Pro Tip: Look for architectural elements like slotted fences or fire escapes. Let the shadows fall across your subject’s face to create geometric patterns. It turns a portrait into a piece of abstract art.
Posing for the Light
When the sun is directly overhead, "raccoon eyes" (deep shadows in the eye sockets) are your biggest enemy.
Chin Up: Have your subject tilt their head up toward the light. This fills the eye sockets with light and defines the jawline.
The Backlit Profile: Position the sun behind your subject. This creates a "rim light" or "halo effect" around their hair, separating them from the background and preventing them from squinting into the lens.
