Low Light Photography: 18 Gorgeous Photos Using Pockets of Light

As photographers, we’re ingrained to look for light-filled locations to take crisp and well-exposed photos. And as photographers…we often leave the camera untouched when we don’t find that kind of light! However, all you need is a small pocket to work with and a willingness to embrace low light photography, low key exposures and, sometimes, hard light shadows. 

The result? Really dynamic and dramatic imagery.

This week’s highlights reel of images from our CLG community comes courtesy of our Documenting Family Life Creative Workshop which is currently underway. We’ve gathered a handful of images to inspire you to seek out less light (crazy, I know!!) and really play with it…

 

Hard Light Shadows

As beginners, we’re always taught to avoid hard light because it’s harsh and unflattering to our subjects. But look for interesting patterns in pockets of light to level up your compositions.

Expose the highlights for a perfect balance of shadows and highlights.

Related: How to Shoot in Manual Mode

Related: Shadow photography – Embracing Hard Light

Don’t avoid small pockets of light just because the light will fall unevenly over your subject’s face when you place them in it. In this low light photo, it’s not jarring or unflattering and, in fact, has added interest. Also, note the shadow behind her, adding an extra layer to this beautiful capture.

The light in this shot is coming from up higher than Esme’s subject, which has illuminated her right eye and created a fabulous triangle-shaped splash of light on her right cheek.  

And speaking of shadows, check out those lashes! As mentioned above, when shooting low light photography with bright highlights, always expose for the highlights to avoid blown, overly bright splashes of jarring light.

Keep your eye out for warm afternoon light streaming through windows, and the next time all the planets align — aka animals and kids! — pop someone in it!

Related: Black and White Aesthetic – Capturing Mood in Monochrome

Doorway Light

One of the best things about doorway light is the darkness beyond creates a perfect backdrop from which your subject can pop.

Related: Doorways for Natural Light Portraits

Trying to shoot low light photography but got reluctant toddlers or kids who never.stop.moving long enough to take a good shot? Give them something to do.

Related: A Fun Portrait Project with a Toddler

Directional Light

When you side light your subject with window light in a dark or low lit room, you create beautiful directional shadows which provide more dynamic and dramatic light.

Related: Easy Dramatic Light Portraits

Outdoors

Low light pockets aren’t limited to the indoors. If you want to shoot beautiful landscape photography, head outdoors just before sunset and look for those long warm shadows on the ground.

Related: Golden Hour Photo Tips

Head into the forest where the only natural light you can find are small pockets, and wait until your subject looks up into it. This way, you’ll get a low key image with a beautifully illuminated face.

Sundown

If you have some west-facing windows, set up an activity next to the window, then wait until the last moments before sunset to grab some indoor silhouette shots.

Related: How to Take Silhouette Photos

Backlight

Backlight your subject in a dark room and look for halos as the light catches the edges of their hair and features.

Related: Surprising Ways to Use Backlight in Photos

I hope you enjoyed this fabulous low light photography collection from our current workshop students! We hope it has inspired you to get out and look for little pockets of light!

Join this amazing workshop and learn The 3 Secrets to Pro Quality Photos of Your Kids + Family…and it’s totally FREE to join! Register here…