Flat light gets a bad rap, but photographers are now embracing its soft, forgiving quality for portraits.
The instant a bright blue sky turns to a grey cloud cover, many photographers pack up their gear, assuming the good light has left for the day. However, this instinct is actually counterintuitive. Soft, flat, overcast light is not just good for capturing moody landscapes, but also for producing stunning portraits.
Professional photographer Joe McNally swears by flat light for portraits, citing its ability to hide blemishes and wrinkles. “Soft, diffused light is like a magic eraser for the skin,” he says. McNally often uses a reflector or an umbrella to bounce the soft light onto his subject’s face, creating a flattering, even illumination.
When is Flat Light Best?
Flat light is at its best when the clouds are thick and grey, and the sun is hidden behind them. This creates a soft, diffused light that wraps evenly around the subject’s face, reducing harsh shadows and minimizing the appearance of skin imperfections. In fact, flat light can be so flattering that it’s often used in studio photography, where the light is controlled and manipulated to achieve a similar effect.
What This Means for Your Portrait Photography
So, next time you’re out shooting portraits and the sky turns grey, don’t assume the good light is gone. Instead, take advantage of the soft, forgiving nature of flat light to create stunning, flattering portraits. With a little creativity and the right equipment, you can use flat light to your advantage and produce portraits that are both beautiful and realistic.
