We have to get a little creative here with our PNW Photojournalism.
One of the first things you learn as a new natural light photographer is how incredible a big window can make any room look. A tiny corner in the most unassuming place, if sitting close to a window can produce the most magical photos. Even in an unrenovated bathroom or the messiest of rooms.
Here are a few ways to elevate the use of home photography near a window.
1.) Turn off all other light sources. This allows for clean shadows and prettier light when you can turn off any other lights in the room that may be muddying the temperature of your colors. By using the window as your only light source, you get really clean and consistent light.
2.) Wait for cloudy skies. This is why I’ve made this a PNW Photojournalism article. Cloudy skies plus window photography make for easy and beautiful portraits! The light coming through the window is soft and even and perfectly defused. This replicates a very large and a very professional looking “soft box” affect.
3.) As for most photojournalism, you just have to wait for a natural moment to pull out the camera. Not every set of photos will be winners and you can’t let that stop you from trying again in a cute sibling or pet moment.
Now to be fair, in sharing these photos, my kids are VERY used to having their picture taken during natural every day moments and when I signed a lease on this apartment I was VERY aware of the ideal conditions of these windows for photographing my every day life.
Any sliding glass door or window casting light on your subject will do wonderfully, as well.
Good luck and enjoy viewing your window light on an overcast day as an opportunity for some great PNW Photojournalism.
