The best indoor light usually comes from a window, so look for the largest, brightest one and place your subject near it. Soft side light from a window flatters faces, objects and food, and it needs no extra gear. The steps below show how to find it and shape it.
Step by Step: Locating the Light
- Turn off the room lamps. Mixed bulbs and window light have different colors and create odd tints.
- Walk around the room and watch how daylight falls. Notice where it is bright, soft and shadowed.
- Place your subject at a right angle to the window, about one to two meters away, so light falls from the side.
- Stand with the window to your side rather than behind or in front, unless you want a glowing back lit look.
- Take a frame and look at the screen for deep shadows or bright patches.
Soften or Brighten What You Have
Direct sun through glass is hard and creates sharp shapes. Hang a thin white curtain or sheet over the window to spread it. If shadows on the far side are too dark, bounce light back with a white card, a foam board or even a bedsheet held on that side.
- Move closer to the window for brighter, softer light.
- Move farther back for a more gradual falloff and moodier shadows.
- Open doors and curtains to widen the source.
Camera Settings for Indoor Light
Indoor light is dimmer than outdoor light, so you will need wider apertures, higher ISO or slower shutter speeds. As a general range, try f/2 to f/4, ISO 400 to 1600, and a shutter speed fast enough to avoid blur, around 1/125 second for still people. Use a tripod for still life and lower the ISO.
Dealing with Mixed Light
Warm bulbs and cool daylight in the same frame create color clashes. Turn the bulbs off when you can. If you cannot, set white balance to match the main source, and shoot RAW so you can correct it later.
Window Position Guide
| Window direction | Typical light | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Facing the sun | Bright, changing | Soften with a curtain |
| Facing away from the sun | Soft, steady | Portraits and still life |
| Large glass door | Wide and even | Groups and rooms |
FAQ
Should I use the built-in flash?
Usually not. It makes flat, harsh light. Bouncing an external flash off a white ceiling looks softer, or you can simply raise ISO and use window light.
What if my room has no windows?
Use a lamp with a diffuser, such as a white shade, and aim it at a white wall to bounce soft light onto the subject.
The Short Version
Switch off lamps, place your subject beside a large window, and soften or bounce the light as needed. Raise ISO or open the aperture to cope with dimmer conditions.
