As the days grow shorter and outdoor light becomes dimmer, it’s tempting to reach for artificial lighting during your shoots. However, working with natural light—even in autumn—offers surprisingly valuable benefits. At Atelier Oost Amsterdam, we know there’s a certain "magic" that only daylight can bring. Our spacious daylight studio, complete with high ceilings and expansive windows, is designed to maximise natural light to its fullest potential.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of natural light versus artificial lighting and share why autumn might just be the perfect season to choose daylight. Intrigued?
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of natural light versus artificial lighting and share why autumn might just be the perfect season to choose daylight. Intrigued?
Why choose natural light in autumn?
Natural light in autumn has a unique charm. The sun sits lower in the sky, creating a softer, warmer light—perfect for capturing atmospheric photos and videos. This "golden" light allows creatives to craft a warm, natural look without heavy post-editing. In a daylight studio like ours, where light flows freely through large windows, you can achieve a truly unique effect. Here are the key benefits of working with natural light:
1. Softer shadows and warm colours
The lower angle of the sun in autumn produces softer shadows, wrapping your subject in a natural glow that’s difficult to replicate with artificial light. Expect warm tones and natural contrasts that immediately add atmosphere to your images.
Pro tip: Plan your shoot for late morning or early afternoon to take advantage of the best light of the day and avoid the shorter, harsher shadows that can emerge later on.
2. It’s more sustainable
By making the most of available daylight, we reduce the need for artificial lighting, helping to lower our ecological footprint.
3. Less post-processing needed
Photos taken with natural light often have a more organic, "real" look. Artificial light can sometimes produce a harsher appearance that requires more post-processing to achieve the desired effect. In contrast, natural light provides a softer and more balanced exposure and colour tone, saving you time and effort in post-production.
4. Enhanced creative flexibility
Natural light has a unique dynamism, subtly changing throughout the day. This allows you to work with different lighting effects in a single session. Think soft, muted tones in the early morning and a more golden glow as the afternoon progresses. Natural light creates a creative, organic flow in your photos, without needing to adjust artificial lights or use filters.
5. A relaxed studio atmosphere
Many people naturally feel more at ease in daylight, which creates a relaxed, familiar ambiance in the studio. In the minimalistic setting of our spaces, your model, product, or scene truly shines in natural light, helping models feel more comfortable, which in turn contributes to more authentic shots.
1. Softer shadows and warm colours
The lower angle of the sun in autumn produces softer shadows, wrapping your subject in a natural glow that’s difficult to replicate with artificial light. Expect warm tones and natural contrasts that immediately add atmosphere to your images.
Pro tip: Plan your shoot for late morning or early afternoon to take advantage of the best light of the day and avoid the shorter, harsher shadows that can emerge later on.
2. It’s more sustainable
By making the most of available daylight, we reduce the need for artificial lighting, helping to lower our ecological footprint.
3. Less post-processing needed
Photos taken with natural light often have a more organic, "real" look. Artificial light can sometimes produce a harsher appearance that requires more post-processing to achieve the desired effect. In contrast, natural light provides a softer and more balanced exposure and colour tone, saving you time and effort in post-production.
4. Enhanced creative flexibility
Natural light has a unique dynamism, subtly changing throughout the day. This allows you to work with different lighting effects in a single session. Think soft, muted tones in the early morning and a more golden glow as the afternoon progresses. Natural light creates a creative, organic flow in your photos, without needing to adjust artificial lights or use filters.
5. A relaxed studio atmosphere
Many people naturally feel more at ease in daylight, which creates a relaxed, familiar ambiance in the studio. In the minimalistic setting of our spaces, your model, product, or scene truly shines in natural light, helping models feel more comfortable, which in turn contributes to more authentic shots.
Shooting with natural light in autumn: tips and benefits
1. Use reflectors to bounce light back and soften dark shadows. This is especially useful for close-ups.2. Opt for light, neutral backgrounds, like those in our studio, to reflect daylight and create a soft, airy look.
3. Plan flexibly. Autumn light can be unpredictable, so ensure your schedule allows for moments when the light is at its best. Or consider booking the studio for multiple days to work with different light conditions.
Ideal camera settings for autumn daylight
To capture well-lit, atmospheric images in variable daylight, try the following camera settings.Exposure and ISO
In autumn photography, try using Aperture Priority mode (A or Av), which allows you to select the aperture for beautiful depth of field while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed . This is helpful since daylight can shift quickly. Keep your ISO low (ISO 100-400) for sharp images in good light, but don’t hesitate to raise it in darker conditions. On cloudy days, an ISO of 800 or higher can help maintain sharpness without introducing noise.
White balance and exposure compensation
Set your white balance to daylight or cloudy to retain those warm autumn tones and prevent the camera from "neutralising" the atmosphere. With exposure compensation (+/-), you can make subtle adjustments: a slight positive value (+0.3 to +1) can help lift shadows, while a negative value (-0.3) is handy in bright sunlight to preserve details—a great tip for product photography.
Curious to see how natural light can elevate your production? Our studios provide everything you need to make the most of daylight—high ceilings, large windows, and a minimalist design that puts your subject in the spotlight. Choose The Loft for an urban cool vibe, The Living Room for an intimate, cosy feel, or The Playground for larger productions and out-of-the-box creativity. Each studio offers endless possibilities for both natural and artificial lighting. Ready to experience it firsthand?
