How to Use Open Shade for Natural Light Portraits

August 29, 2025

Discover how to capture stunning, soft light portraits anywhere — no studio lights required! In this tutorial, Mark Wallace demonstrates the power of open shade: shady areas adjacent to bright sunlight that naturally bounce specular highlights back into your subject. You’ll learn to identify open shade, position your model for beautiful catchlights, choose the perfect lens and aperture, and even add flash when necessary. Whether you’re shooting on a busy city street or a quiet rooftop, these proven techniques will elevate your portrait work—free and easy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommended For You

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Releases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explore More in Natural Light

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Podcasts