Finding Beautiful Nautral Light For Portraits

We have jumped outside to answer what we are most often asked - to show more of Peter working on location. Natural light is Peter’s favourite, and a lot of the time he finds stunning light in the ugliest locations - like car parks, as he is able to get a direction of light from all the different railings and concrete blocks. In this tutorial, Peter demonstrates how he finds and sees natural light around a local carpark, proving that you really do not need a huge studio to creat gorgeous beauty portraits.
Find the full 3 part tutorial here: inspire.peter-...
Model: Julia
Instagram: @juliavogl_
For more behind the scenes of photoshoots, plus over 400 other tutorials covering everything from lighting to retouching, visit:
inspire.peter-...​
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Lighting: Natural Light
Camera model: Sony a1
Lens: Zeiss Otus 100mm, Zeiss Distagon 50mm, Sony 70-200mm
Lens Adaptor: Voigtlander VM-E Close Focus Adaptor
Shutter-speed: varied
Aperture: f/1.4, f/1.5 & f/2.8
Iso: varied
Filmed on:
Sony A7c with Zeiss Batis 18mm on a DJI Ronin-CS Gimbal
Sony RX100 V
The RAW software Peter is using: Phocus www.hasselblad...
Can process RAWs through this program with any camera on a Mac, but you will not be able to tether or use certain sliders. Alternatively, he recommends CaptureOne (not Lightroom)
Website
www.peter-couls...
Instagram
@petercoulson

[@ikigomez1407]

Julia is absolutely gorgeous! 7:20 LOVED her natural beauty in this pic!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@bobwarren263]

This is one of the best lighting talks I have ever seen. Absolutely spot on!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps Bob

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

Totally agree, that was so instructive. Thank you Peter and staff.

[@unclemick-synths]

This is nothing less than a masterclass in lighting.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks so much

[@MiaogisTeas]

4:03 Rembrandt lighting in front of a Coles. Now I've seen everything 😂

[@LukaszFrankowski]

Wow, just wow! One of the most informative videos on light. That's how you create art in a car park. Thank you!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Wow, thanks!

[@honestpat7789]

Wow, that was a real masterclass. From the way you set up in the light, to how you interact with your model-how they respond to you is priceless to watch

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you :)

[@davidjones8070]

This is truly what every natural light photographer should be spending there time doing is recognizing these types of lighting scenerios. I’m constantly looking at beautiful light even when I’m not carrying a camera. Through in an occasional reflector for a bit more control and you have some great photos. Thanks guys.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks David

[@terryandrews49]

Master craftsmen alway make the difficult look so easy. Well done sir. All about seeing and light.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@jonasmagnusson2099]

Those photos of the face, in black and white! Wow!🙏👍👏

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@EricSnydereasphotography]

STUNNING Peter!!!

[@Michael-ow1oq]

Absolutely love the way you explain the shots and the light. This was my favorite one so far most of us aren’t blessed with a studio and all the lighting equipment. Being able to understand how you choose your locations and the insight to what you see is awesome. Thank you!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much

[@watersignphotography]

Fantastic - carparks here we come!!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Have fun!

[@marek_vanco_photo]

Peter know very well lighting. With DOF he can hide and create abstract background. Also he know how to place model. Peter is constantly thinking about background also. Julia is very good model and she know how to have clear look. Thanks you very much for this nice shooting.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks so much

[@christopherrodriguez7223]

Man give Peter a disposable camera and watch the magic happen. What a glorious class this was. Thank you Peter & Bec team.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks Christopher :)

[@arneheeringa96]

@@PeterCoulsonPhotographer you can do your own crappy camera challenge. Those vids were pretty cool with Sean Tucker, Zack Arias etc.

[@genesly]

Wow! OMG! this video was such an inspiration! I constantly struggled in my head trying to find a awesome location to shoot. And after watching this, we'll for the first time I actually understand the term "chasing the light ". This is the very best example I have ever seen. Also how Peter used his hand to confirm where the light was coming from kinda blew my mind. Meaning I have never thought of that before. Thank you again for sharing your craft. You are truly an artist.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps

[@Giuseppe9486]

Great shots in a location very ugly!!! You are a great photographer and Julia is simply stunning!!!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@redharvest100]

Thanks again Peter. Another killer session full of ideas and helpful instruction. The ugly outdoors definitely a winner along with Julia's banging footwear.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks :)

[@alexugljesic]

Peter this is masterclass in reading natural light and finding those fine differences and sweet spot! Well done, as usual...

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Many thanks!

[@a1000facesWorldWide]

What an amazing video. I learnt so much. Thank you so much.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@_christianwinter]

This was amazing…and helpful…and amazing

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Amazing thank you

[@mirkoschlender402]

A beautiful work, it is a pleasure watching the movie

[@robertmeredith5905]

A wonderful explanation, especially for a beginner shooter like me.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Happy to help :)

[@scottcrossley5817]

Absolutely love it Peter so happy to see you out and about 🙂🙂🙂

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks, we are so happy to be out of lockdown

[@vojislavanicic3452]

Love what you did here! Great inspiration, thanks so much!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You are so welcome!

[@hom296]

It's always fun to watch the amazing Peter Coulson (& crew)!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@stevewroe1599]

Love the shots if Julia Peter 😊

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@prestonlhouse]

Of all of the lessons I've learned regarding photography has been, learn to read the light. That has saved my butt a few times. Great video.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@glz1]

The guy has a really good eye and he know his stuff

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@cbmilne]

This is great. So informative and eye opening for outdoor sessions.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful thanks Craig

[@Neopulse00]

Love this video. I like the feeling of "you can find good light if you know how to look for it." You make me like black and white portraiture more and more.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

Nice master reference with Stanley Kubrick's "tunnel effect", adding Coulson's white handrail vignetting like Peter Lindberg's music stand for black vignetting 😄 thank you Peter

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks Jean

[@TheKyuss69]

i just dont get it, there are really 5 people who disliked the video, the content is pure gold, and i really mean it, the title is spot on and there is so much knowledge everyone can include in their own shootings everywhere and regardless of gear, still five people didnt like it. faith in humanity is declining

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks but it's ok everyone has their own taste and opinion :)

[@makebelievestunt]

Wow, those between-the-bars shots were just stunning! They were all great, though, and how could you go wrong with Julia's beautiful face. Just wonderful. Thank you.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks Michael

[@fotokrabbe530]

This is a Great Tutorial. Thank you Peter and Julia.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Our pleasure!

[@fotografocash]

Finally a video I want to see complete! and not just because of the model... More videos like these real natural light, like weekly imogen.... thanks

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you liked it, more to come now we are out of lockdown :)

[@MrXelsior]

AWESOME SHOOT! AWESOME MODEL!!!

[@michaeljohn240155]

Again some great advice. Thanks

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

My pleasure!

[@DanielWhitaker]

This spoke volumes... I try to explain why I do what I do for a photoshoot and this helps get the point across

[@garyhaddock7264]

Brilliant!

[@vjhansen]

great work, thanks for the inspiration

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

My pleasure!

[@BigRockNor]

Excellent!

[@CarlosDavidFoto]

Parking garages are awesome locations.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Yes they are!

[@michaelmcclay357]

Man. I can’t wait to see my model’s (wife) face when I bring her and my camera to the garage park!!

[@Ollinho12]

Amazing what you can do in a Coles carpark. Very informative - thanks Peter

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it

[@fabiogoulart1987]

Perfect!

[@ivanvelky11]

Very nice video tutorial, Peter is lighting Guru , i wish more videos with daylights .

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you, I will

[@colmeg]

Love locations like this! Beautiful light, Model and Images! Thank you.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

Love this, so good 😊

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you!! 😊

[@tobyjugg6202]

That was a stunning learning experience - so easily explained even though the tech issues are complex. What a great incentive to go out & shoot !!! Huge thumbs up.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps Toby

[@harshaperiyapatna]

It's D'Lightfull Mr. Coulson . Thank you 👍

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@7brownstce]

So informative, thanks

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bearcatcoach]

great stuff...I learned on off camera flash so I always have it with me and I am lacking in the natural light shoots, this will really help! You two are amazing

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful Steve

[@somartintv]

Hey, have you steered clear of window light as a lighting source in your photography?

[@orlindosouza1592]

Muito bom Peter!

[@izgil7541]

Unbelievable way to use "ugly locations" to create fabulous photos. Very inspiring too.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@Joseph_Fouche]

Thank you! Greetings from Germany!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Welcome!

[@OhMyEnglish-dk3dt]

Who'd have thought, a photoshoot in a Coles trolley bay?! Fantastic. Great video and tutorial. Thank you, Peter.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Jackbrsp]

I'll never complain about sunny days ever again. Thank you so much for this, Peter! ❤️ from Brazil

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks Jack

[@crismi144]

more like this please!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

coming soon :)

[@vproven]

Thank you so much. Excellent.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Welcome!

[@rdmckeever7645]

This video has all my favorite elements; an artist who understands light, a confident model, and a mirrorless camera with a manual lens. Made my day!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@RockinRocco]

Amazing content. Thank you

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Much appreciated!

[@KMantle]

"I know it's really really nice to get on to an eye detect lens, and just go brain dead" LMFAO.

[@seanconcannon7922]

Beautiful work as always.....unfortunately where I live its cloudy for almost 80% of the year....would love to see how you overcome having no bounce light and still create dramatic images.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

I will be showing how I cope with cloudy days soon :)

[@seanconcannon7922]

@@PeterCoulsonPhotographer Awesome ...thanks a lot Peter.

[@mrchiancone]

Super interesting!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you think so!

[@MLunenborg]

I am stunned, I have always avoided these types of locations when someone asks me for a photoshoot. As well as the harsh sunlight on midday. I will no longer avoid these hours and / or locations. Just look for the shadow, put your subject in there and watch as the world provides soft light via reflections of asphalt or brick walls. I learned heaps from this video, thanks! If I could, I would go to inspire and pay you all some money per year to learn more...

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@hvdiver]

Peter es un genio. ( Peter is a genius)

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@TravelPhotoGuy]

This gives me hope I can turn my natural light photography around lol

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Give it a try but use your eyes to see the light before you pick up the camera

[@Luca_2]

thanks Peter, very very usefull video, beautifull photos and model 👏👏👏... thanks Jiulia and Bec ... 👏👏👏 Peter is it difficult to find the right light-set-location for full body external shot? could you give us a clearly demonstration as the wonderfull one done in this video? thanks so much 🤗🤗🤗👏👏👏.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Than same locations would work

[@Luca_2]

@@PeterCoulsonPhotographer thanks

[@bv52gyf]

Hi Peter, stunning images and a fantastic tutorial. I usually concentrate on landscapes but going to try some portraiture. I have a z6 with a 85mm f1.8 lens. My question is this, what settings would you recommend to keep things as simple as possible while I find my feet? do you shoot on Aperture priority, keep ISO on auto, allowing me to concentrate on focus etc. sorry for the long winded comment. Andy.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks I shoot manual only I don't want the camera to change my exposure, f1.8 to 2.8 in this type of location works fine.

[@bv52gyf]

@@PeterCoulsonPhotographer thank you, I appreciate you getting back to me. All the best in 2022. Andy

[@leomerchan6375]

The Triangle of Perfection: 1) Peter Coulson's eye, 2) Wide aperture lenses causing the bokeh, 3) Model's attitude.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps Leo

[@honestgoat]

Damn you're good Peter.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks :)

[@mvjphotographie2617]

Absolutely gorgeous! I think these are by far my favourite pictures of yours. I work so much in the studio that I kind of lost this way of working with natural light. I really have to go outside.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you so much!

[@allentrevena6841]

Legend

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@filibertkraxner305]

Peter, you lighting wizard: I'll never be able to look at a car park in the same way again! Hahaha, brilliant stuff!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@rokpodlogar6062]

that bird creaking in the background, that's how my af sounds on my nifty fifty after dropping and putting it back together.

[@markvman4287]

The camera loves Julia.

[@mofeed65]

I appreciate the video but really knew this early on in my shooting days.

[@robstorm8359]

Steep learning curve here! Stunning results in ugly locations. A real masterclass. Thanks Peter!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks so much

[@rolandrick]

I’m photographing since 40 years and avoided instinctively spaces like that car park. Well, misguided by my instincts for decades. Thanks for those hints. They instantly added 900% more shooting spaces.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@philipgeorge7516]

I live in the UK and started watching you because my brother lives in Melbourne. I am so glad I found you. Excellent masterclass on lighting. Five stars.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Welcome aboard thanks :)

[@vmaxviking]

Just love your videos, they have lernt me alot. When you shot in BW, do you shot in camera or in post????

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks B&W previews in camera and raws in post

[@vmaxviking]

@@PeterCoulsonPhotographer Thanks

[@renatopedro6999]

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen this video, i just love your knowledge, thanks for sharing

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You are very welcome

[@luckyprice4548]

Thank you,I am studying right now, I never thought about it.....thank you from the bottom of my heart, God bless your work always❤....I am going shoot now🎉🎉🎉

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

I'm glad it was helpful

[@412foto]

AMAZING video!! Such incredible insights and tips! Thank you!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You are so welcome!

[@woodydroneson]

Thank you for making me think about natural reflections, simple and makes sense, I think I can use this with my DSLR Canon 850D as well as even with snapshots from S10 Plus if traveling light :)

[@michaelcorrigan5232]

Light magic, casting your creativity.. Ausum.. 🤗 💜 Great work.. All

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you so much 😀

[@markmackay2006]

Yet again, another great video. Finally you're out of lockdown and able to get out of the studio. Thanks to all those involved in putting that together. You've covered a lot lately - working with both male and female models. They tend to be younger ... how about a video on the middle or older aged people (they're a growing segment of the population). Looking forward to see what you do next.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks again, I don't do anything different with a 24 year old to a 60 year old

[@Govannonart]

Great video. I have some ideas to shoot on a carpark. Did it last year on the roof top with a flash, but now I want to do it inside. Waiting fot the summer Cheers.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@jpvvandermerwe87]

GREAT clip. Nice T-shirt ! Keep these type of informative clips coming. Much Appreciated.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Will do thanks

[@masud184]

Tanks so much Peter, that you solved my biggest Problem. There's no need for a Strobe in natural light, I had been using it for many years and had been suffering of colour cast Problems with my white balance.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

I'm glad I could help

[@alverbenko9521]

This is incredibly helpful insight into how to think of photography. Many folks are looking for just the right background, while Peter is looking for just the right light. I saw in the description that the shutter speed and ISO are varied in this video, but if you could share a ballpark figure for either when working in this type of outdoor light, it would really be appreciated.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks, I was shooting between 1/250 and 1/1000 and 100 to 400 iso but that doesn't make any difference in the look of the photo

[@acraftman2823]

One word for this tutorial...Swish.

[@vanzetti7]

People don't believe it when I say Peter Coulson can shoot you at a Coles trolley drop off area and make you look amazing. Well here's the proof.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps, it's not the location it's the light

[@vanzetti7]

@@PeterCoulsonPhotographer it’s also a master photographer’s eye

[@milanrychtr2080]

I love this! Great tips and amazing light. I always try to find the spot where top light is cut... :-) And the model is very natural, she can look to the camera in very interesting way.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You are so welcome!

[@uli3103]

Really cool Video. I am impressed by the effect of the natural light and how it influences the result of the shot. Cool, excellent. Trank you very much for another interesting video.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@lensman5762]

Masterful use of natural light. Stunning photos of a Very attractive woman. Thank you.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks

[@chuckkennedy6553]

And if under an hour - free parking. Love it!

[@m1ch4Lko]

Really great to see your thought process and how you see light. Thank you!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks for watching

[@philipgowdy]

Peter would like to know if you have done any videos on "in camera black and white shooting".. Great Videos Continue as ever.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you, coming soon

[@malte3416]

I'm really impressed now! Masterclass ! Greatings from germany

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you