Natural Light Fashion / Beauty Photography

There is something inherently beautiful about natural light. It can be soft and warm, or hard and unforgiving, or even have a sort of melancholy to it. These are the areas we will be looking at in this course.

Fashion and Beauty photography make use of natural light in many ways. A recent viewing of Vogue (October, 2012) reveals many natural light photography shots by up and coming and well established photographers. The techniques are not hard to understand, but still require the finesse and deliberate approach that is required when using artificial lighting.

We will look at natural light from all angles; full sun, modified sun, shade and moody, emotional light.

We will build some inexpensive modifiers for natural light, and also show how to correctly use white reflectors, silver and gold reflectors, scrims, mirrors, and more. These tools are not expensive, but the results they give can be astounding.

The natural light fashion/beauty photography course is divided into 12 lectures, each running approximately 30 minutes. There is a workbook, plans for building a scrim and large reflector, and lots of videos.

Most lectures include a shoot with the gear we are using, a Photoshop tutorial, the PSD file for viewing and a look at how the final images were selected. Looking at the images as they are shot, and then edited, is very powerful as a learning tool.

If you are interested in portraiture, fashion, beauty or glamour, this natural light photography course will open your eyes to the very cool ways you can use natural light to make your images.

The beauty photography course is suited to any level of photographer. I recommend a light meter, although we will also show you ways to use your camera meter as we go. A couple of stands would also be a good addition to your natural light arsenal.

This class also has over two hours of bonus content, with new content being added in May 2013 and June 2013.

📚 **Course Review Summary** ### Overall Rating: 4.65/5 #### Pros: - **Comprehensive Learning:** The course provides a wide range of practical examples and real-life situations that are beneficial for learning outdoor lighting and portrait photography. - **Clear Explanations:** Instructors explain concepts clearly, making complex ideas understandable. - **Educational Value:** The course offers valuable technical insights and encourages hands-on application of the techniques taught. - **Engaging Content:** The course is paced well and engages learners with practical exercises. - **Useful for All Levels:** Beginners can start from scratch, while experienced photographers can refine their skills. - **Unique Teaching Style:** Don Giannatti's "no bs" approach makes the content accessible and easy to follow. - **DIY Resources:** Practical tips like DIY scrim instructions are a plus for those who prefer budget-friendly solutions. - **Post-Processing Guidance:** The course provides post-processing tips that complement the shooting segments. - **Self-Paced Learning:** The ability to learn at your own pace makes it convenient for busy schedules. #### Cons: - **Video Quality Issues:** Some videos have low quality and some users experienced issues with space bars or mouse movement on screen. - **Repetitive Content:** A few users found certain parts of the course to be unnecessarily long-winded or repetitive. - **Mediocre Examples:** A handful of users felt that some example photos included in the course were underwhelming, such as an overexposed shot that was converted to B&W. - **Technical Jargon:** While the teaching style is straightforward, some users might prefer less technical jargon for a more beginner-friendly experience. - **Editing Issues:** Some learners pointed out that the editing examples used in the course could be questionable, suggesting room for improvement in this area. #### Additional Notes: - The course's focus on natural light and minimal gear makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer working with available light sources. - The course is highly recommended by users who have completed it, noting that the practical tips can be applied immediately to enhance one's photography skills. --- **User Testimonials:** - "Don's 'no bs' approach is refreshing and his teaching style is both relaxed and informative." - "As a beginner, I found this course fairly easy to follow, and the double speed option helped me progress through the content quicker." - "I especially appreciate the DIY scrim instructions and post-processing tips. It's a fantastic self-paced course!" - "For amateur photographers or those interested in improving their portrait photography skills, this course is packed with practical advice and inspiration." - "Don Giannatti's mentorship is candid and natural, making his guidance on taking and editing pictures all the more impactful." **Final Verdict:** This course is an excellent resource for photographers of all levels looking to master natural lighting and portrait photography. With its practical approach, clear explanations, and hands-on learning opportunities, it's a highly recommended program that has earned a solid 4.65 out of 5 stars from users.