just read through Audrey Woulards book

[joescrivens]

So I bought Audrey Woulard's book "Natural Enlightenment" and finished reading it.

She made some very interesting mindset changes to me. She really does never use flash or a reflector - BUT .... she does use natural reflectors.

Theres a section about shooting in full noon sun which is very interesting, she talks a lot about when you are scouting for a location it should never be about what's the best location in terms of what is in the background, but instead seek out the best location for the light. She mentions to not have anything behind you at all, not even people. The importance of buildings or trees being at least 20ft away so that ambient light reaches the face being reflected off pavements or sky in front of the subject whilst the sun is behind them. She talks a lot about open shade.

Another thing that was interesting was how she focuses. She nails focus at 1.6 so perfectly you would have bet your mortgage that she would focus on the eye, but there are shots showing the focus point and not a single one is on someone's eye. They are either on the forehead between the eyes or if it is a group shot she'll focus on the point where the two people meet.

Overall I have learnt a fair amount and it's made me think quite differently about how to shoot subjects in natural light

 

[Alastair]

Link to your earlier thread..

Joe, does she define what she means by "natural reflector" in the book? the impression from her website is that this is for the most part northlight.

 

[joescrivens]

Link to your earlier thread..

Joe, does she define what she means by "natural reflector" in the book? the impression from her website is that this is for the most part northlight.

she does.

And sometimes I found myself thinking - well that could just as easily be an actual reflector that someone bought specifically. For example there is one part where she talks about taking a photo inside where you might want it to be backlit from the light source - like the window. Either due to space or the fact it is a child who doesn't want to sit in a certain place or what ever other reasons to try and ensure you are in a room with a light wall to reflect back on the subject or even where white clothing yourself, and that if there are dark wardrobes in the room to throw a white sheet over them - thats the part where I think it's no much different to using a reflector right?

Outside she talks about pavements being reflectors or white walls, but to make sure there is a large gap between anything dark behind you - no trees or building etc for a long way out.

what really comes across in the book is really carefully selecting the location based on the light thats reflected onto the subject and not on what is specifically in the background. Then because she shoots exclusively at 1.6 practically the background detail is less important than the available light.

That has changed the way I think about it. Normally I would look for a nice background and then find the best light, but she does it the other way around.

 

[jabilli_sruti]

Sorry for resurrecting an old post but anyone has Audrey Woulard's Natural Enlightenment book?
I am trying to get my hands on the book, which is not being sold anymore, except in eBook format.
Our best friend's birthday is coming up. She's a photographer and is a huge fan of Audrey's blog. So, thought it'd be nice to get her the book. Unfortunately, only the e-Book is available for sale and I must say it's not the same. We would love to get the book in print, since it's best for the photographs inside the book.

Is anyone willing to sell your copy by any chance! I'd be more than happy to mail a check in advance, if there is any way you can ship it.