5 Natural Light Photography Tips for Shooting Indoors
The Work Between – Episode 8
Great indoor natural light photography doesn’t require a huge studio, expensive gear, or a Pinterest-perfect home. It just takes understanding your light, adjusting your angles, and letting go of a few common myths.
In Episode 8 of The Work Between, we’re giving you five actionable indoor lighting tips that will instantly improve your portraits—whether you’re shooting in a client’s home, a natural light studio, or even your own living room.
If you've ever asked, “Why doesn’t my natural light look like that?”—this is your episode.
1. Back Away From the Window
One of the most common beginner mistakes in natural light photography? Putting your subject right up against the wall or window.
While it might seem like the best way to maximize light, it actually flattens your image and kills natural depth.
Try this instead:
Pull your subject 2–4 feet away from the light source when space allows
Let the light fall off and wrap around their features
Create soft shadows that add texture and dimension
2. Know Your Light Quality
Not all window light is created equal. What you want is soft, diffused light—not harsh stripes across your subject’s face or overly flat lighting that removes all contrast.
Tips for mastering window light:
Use sheer curtains (IKEA is a favorite) or ripstop nylon to diffuse light
North or south-facing windows offer the most consistent, even light
Be mindful of the time of day—2pm west light and 9am east light are not the same
A small change in light direction or time can completely transform your photo.
3. Don’t Let the Histogram Boss You Around
If you’re relying too heavily on your histogram—especially in backlit situations—you might be second-guessing great shots.
When your subject is backlit, the histogram may spike to the right, making it seem like you’re blowing out highlights, even if your subject is perfectly exposed.
Here’s what to do:
Expose for your subject, not the background
Use your camera’s live view or LCD to trust what you’re actually seeing
Shoot from a 45–90 degree angle when working with backlight for a more flattering result
4. Stop Being Afraid of ISO
Let’s settle this: ISO 3200 is not the enemy.
We get it—you’ve been told to avoid noise at all costs. But in natural light photography, especially indoors, clean grain is better than muddy shadows.
ISO tips that will free you up:
Know your camera’s ISO limits (most modern ones can handle more than you think)
Slight grain can actually add character and warmth to an image
Prioritize correct exposure over fear of noise
5. When in Doubt, Slightly Underexpose
Blown highlights are hard (or impossible) to recover. But slightly underexposing your images gives you way more flexibility in post-processing.
Use this rule of thumb:
Underexpose your highlights, not your shadows
Watch your histogram’s left edge to make sure you're not clipping important details
Especially important when working with white walls or light clothing
This simple tweak can completely shift the quality and control you have over your final edit.
Ask Us Anything Segment
“What’s the best time of day to shoot indoors if I only have one east-facing window?”
We walk through how to maximize morning light and use simple tools like diffusion or reflectors to soften strong directional light.
🎧 Listen to Episode 8: 5 Natural Light Tips for Shooting Indoors
Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
📎 Want help implementing this into your workflow? Try MOTIV, our weekly photographer support system built for clarity and growth. Start with a free 7-day trial—linked in the show notes.
