Ohio Nature Photographer | Vincent Nobel Photography

One of the most important and overlooked aspect to a successful photograph is learning to see and modify your light source.  Almost all my images rely on natural light and I rarely use artificial light sources such as flash.   I’m not saying using flash is bad and I use it in a limited and indirect way during portrait sessions all the time with great effect.  I just prefer using natural sources when working in the natural world without carrying the extra weight of external flashes and triggers (pocket wizards).    My three main tools for light modification include a 20″ diffusion reflector, a 12″ white on one side, and soft gold on the other, reflector and a circular polarizer.    Once I target my subject and compose my image I’ll go to work on the lighting.  Usually I’ll start with the diffuser to gain control of the overall light hitting my subject, providing a more even and softer quality of light.  Next I might use  a circular polarizer.   Polarizers are great for adding more vibrance to your color and  reducing unwanted reflections especially from water.   The leaf in this image was soaking wet and required a polarizer in order to control the glossy look from the water.   Although not used in this image, I’ll often use the small 12″ reflector to add a little fill or directional lighting to the subject.   Overall this is a fairly simple approach.  Modifying your light is key to developing a successful image.   Just get out there and experiment with these tools and you’ll start to see what works for you.