NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: How to light food + product photos

[@albapapandrea8888]

You explain very well and make it clear that you don't necessarily need very expensive equipment to take professional photos, you just need the correct use of light!

[@jasonbodden8816]

Super clear and informative. Beautifully done.

[@saralleverino]

Everyone always explains light using studio lighting equipment and that kind of drives me crazy because unless you're a pro, you probably don't have a lot of that. I love how you described light quality using "free" light. This was excellent!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Sara! We're so happy you enjoyed the video!

[@caitross319]

You defined these concepts so simply and articulately. Thank you!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much, Cait! We're so happy you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!! 🥰

[@elainamishelle]

Thank you so much for these videos. They are extremely informative and helpful!

[@dr.fajeraljumairi]

very informative , well spoken . Thank you !

[@replicasurfaces]

Glad it was helpful!

[@safm4763]

really helpful, thank you!

[@makeupbymaass8272]

Awesome video! I got more out of this than any other lighting video thus far. Simple concepts, big impact. Love it!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Aww thanks so much for saying so and for checking it out!

[@briisland]

This was so helpful!! So excited to improve my product shots!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for watching Bri! I'm so glad that you found it helpful!

[@vivianaroviello7690]

Love love love this video!!!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Glad you liked it!!

[@asianstarrr]

Love these videos. Keep them coming! 💞

[@replicasurfaces]

Yes ma'am, will do! What topics would you like to see in future videos?

[@deadline711]

Incredible ❤

[@adamgleason3337]

Great video! I love how helpful these how-tos are.

[@replicasurfaces]

I appreciate it! Thanks for checking it out.

[@peggyboyd4421]

You are very refreshing! You told me exactly what I needed to know at a swift pace . Excellent how to video!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks Peggy! I've got more videos on the way. Next week is my approach to editing with Lightroom!

[@rawanalamoudi1835]

Thank you ,Mandy great video! 💞

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank YOU Rawan, apologies for my super late reply. Are there any topics you'd like to see in future videos?

[@julianbolt]

Nicely done! Clear and well presented - thank you very much.

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for watching Julian! I've got more videos on the way :)

[@hishamalyahmedi1366]

Thank you for this beautiful video

[@gittakay]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much for watching, Gitta!

[@dazzelpebbels1207]

Thanks for this video. So helpful.

[@anishbose4230]

loved your presentation :)

[@grooveecard]

Great info! Love these videos, and my daughters love getting inventive with your surfaces.

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for checking it out Tim! I'm so happy to hear that your daughters are enjoying the Surfaces too! I've got more videos on the way :)

[@michalshalon3214]

Loved this video! Waiting for my surfaces to arrive so I can try out these great tips!

[@replicasurfaces]

I appreciate that Michal! I'm sure they will arrive in no time :)

[@riddickloowi]

Thanks for the knowledge!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank YOU for watching!!

[@esanchive]

LOVE THIS THANK YOUU

[@sebastianlimarosado5689]

This was great! It really helped inspire me to make a more creative picture by playing around with the products and lighting.

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@japanesewithnana]

Really surprised this doesn’t have more views. It is super clear and easy to follow. I love the overview of the steps. I need to go buy the board stand ;)

[@replicasurfaces]

Hi! Apologies for my super late reply. I'm so happy you found this video helpful and really appreciate you commenting - that'll help it get more views ;)

[@amichyfoodcourt]

Very helpful tips. God bless you

[@replicasurfaces]

So happy you liked it! Thank you!

[@alexisnunley]

Helpful information! Who knew cloudy days still could be perfect for natural light lighting

[@replicasurfaces]

I know right?! Thanks so much for watching Alexis!

[@lorigeater5805]

This video was so helpful!! I’m new to the photog world but Mandy’s tips and tricks, along with her AMAZING realistic photo backdrops, have taken me leaps and bounds further in my new skillset and passion. So grateful to you and RS for upping my photography game!! Thank you!!!!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much Lori! I'm SO glad you are loving your Surfaces!

[@BenCren]

Super helpful!! I love these

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much Ben!

[@bravomike1969]

Great tips! Thank you

[@replicasurfaces]

Of course! Thanks so much for watching, Brian!

[@Thefunkodude]

Thank you for explaining the difference between hard and soft light! It’s going to help me a lot.

[@replicasurfaces]

You're so welcome Jacob! If you post any new photos on Instagram, definitely tag @replicasurfaces so I can see what you create

[@user-on5bu7xp3u]

this is the most imformative video on controlling light i have ever found thank u so much x

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much for watching and for the compliment!! I'll work on releasing more videos soon

[@deborah1012]

Thank you, Mandy! I just ordered my replica surfaces yesterday and am so excited to start working with them. I do jewelry photography and struggle with lighting endlessly. Your descriptions are easily understood, and your videos are perfect in small digestible sizes. Seriously, I could watch them all day. Thank you!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much for the kind words! We appreciate you!!❤️

[@kimenglish993]

i love these instructionals that help me take better pics of my products

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much for watching! Let me know if you have any ideas of what you'd like to see next!

[@cherylmccaffrey8354]

This was really helpful - thanks for all the tips!

[@replicasurfaces]

You're so welcome! Thanks for checking it out Cheryl!

[@SouthofIllusion]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. My house only has East and West facing windows and I always thought I had terrible lighting for photos. Now I see there's so much potential! I just needed to learn how to use it!!

[@replicasurfaces]

We're so happy to hear that! Thanks so much for watching!!

[@bodyd8742]

this was so easy to follow. you explained everything really well. great video

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you SO MUCH, Maya! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Model2MoM82]

Omg....I needed this for my soul. I do product photography. Candles, soaps scrubs etc. I have the shiplap and marble. Let me tell you these surfaces took my online presence to a whole new level!! With these new tips in this video it's gonna be the cherry on top. I had one goal with the surfaces. I wanted my products to look so clean and high end that a stranger who does not no me or my products would purchase some from my social media post. After my second Instagram post using replica surfaces it happened, I got a purchase from a stranger!!! I was screaming it worked!!! It worked!!! Thank you Mandy for making these!!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

This comment just made my WEEK! It means everything to me that my Surfaces and video played a role in you screaming "it worked"! So proud of you :*

[@Model2MoM82]

@@replicasurfaces Thank you Mandy!! Next one I wanna get is the subway tile for my bath and body care. I want to distinguish my different lines

[@replicasurfaces]

@@Model2MoM82 That's really smart! Let me know too if you have any ideas you'd like to see in the next videos. Right now I'm thinking about creating a video about how I approach Lightroom editing, but let me know if you have other ideas!

[@ninibren]

Thank you for this! I learned so much. 😊

[@kirstenbell1268]

This was absolutely perfect thank you so much! Ive just spent the last 2 days trying to absorb as much information as possible to make my own product photography set up at home and this video was the best that I have seen. So helpful and precise!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much for the kind words! We're so happy you enjoyed the video!!

[@kymmotley1133]

thank you! placing my order today...this is wonderful!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much, Kym!

[@Sara.Rose.]

You listed them all brilliantly.. Thank you x

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad you found this video helpful! I've got a lot of new ones coming in the new year

[@khushidesai3582]

Nicely explained, really helpful ✌🏼

[@JesseC_07]

Great content and thank you for all these insights!

[@replicasurfaces]

Glad you like them!

[@heatherwhyte157]

Great video, so helpful!

[@replicasurfaces]

Yes! Thanks for checking it out Heather :)

[@ZemiEmperor]

You have such a calming voice! :)

[@juanvelasquez2956]

You are a real master 👍🏼😍 I've seen only two videos and I love them. I found somebody who clearly explains.

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Juan!☺️ We're so happy you're enjoying the videos!!

[@juliechapa1491]

Very useful version video! Can’t wait to try this.

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you, Julie!

[@RejoyceLiving]

Thank you for this!!

[@replicasurfaces]

You're so welcome!

[@valeriedevito3229]

Excellent, thank you so much!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for checking it out Valerie!

[@thewildlifeexplorer]

I loved it

[@replicasurfaces]

So happy to hear that! Thanks so much!!

[@dogwoodsanddandelions]

I learned so much just from spending 8 minutes watching this video. You explain lighting in ways that are easy for an amateur like me to understand. Thank you so much! I will definitely be checking out more of your videos!

[@replicasurfaces]

We're so happy to hear it was helpful! 👏 Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words!🥰

[@quynhchau2035]

Ty 💞

[@RT-rt9rt]

My God, Not only you are Gorgeous but talented. Your explanation of the light is thorough. Love it. Million thumbs up....

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad you liked the natural light video!

[@parencreates865]

this is such a great explanation, I have my first food photoshoot today so will deffo implement these techniques thankssss :D

[@replicasurfaces]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beautisinebybakhtawar2847]

I loved listening and watching you, 😘💜😍

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank so much! We're so happy you enjoyed the video!☺️

[@verusdome]

Awsome ❤

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much!

[@kerijansen345]

thanks for this!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank YOU for watching, Keri!

[@alaaadam3996]

you are amazing and i learn alot from you

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much! We're so happy to hear that!!

[@Thefariashoots]

That's informative! 👍🏻

[@replicasurfaces]

Glad you liked it

[@punkisl989]

Wow, amazing and easy understand video. You speak so clearly. I wish you have a class on Skillshare or something so we can just learn from you in one class. I have learn more from you in short 8 mins than in any other videos on KZbin.

[@replicasurfaces]

That is so so nice of you to say Janice! That is exactly what I was going for when I filmed it. I'll keep releasing videos on KZbin (definitely consider subscribing!) but will also give Skillshare a look too. Thanks again!

[@Colinsskul4]

Agreed all her videos are awesome and the surfaces!!!

[@onesocialunited]

Agree ! Mandy is the master class in class and authenticity offering helpful, valuable and easy to understand pro tips!

[@thehandmakersbag8546]

Love these tips. Even though they are for good styling I feel like you could use these with other photo subjects as well.

[@replicasurfaces]

Very true! I'm so happy you enjoyed the video!

[@andreakdavis08]

These videos are so helpful, especially for those of us who aren't professional photographers.

[@replicasurfaces]

That's exactly what I'm going for Andrea! I'm so glad I was able to get the basics across in a way that's helpful

[@Plantsinmybowl]

Please make more natural light food photography 🥰🥰❤️

[@kamyaparashar2732]

Thank you so much for this lovely informative video. I am shifting to a new place which has north facing window .. wondering will that be good for food photography

[@patrickburns7701]

New subscriber new to food photography. Need to look into your replica surfaces. Thank you for these video's

[@replicasurfaces]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bethcathkey]

So helpful thanks! Could you do a video on photographing jewellery with natural light at some point?

[@replicasurfaces]

Great suggestion! I'll take this on board!

[@dreahews5802]

thank you very much

[@replicasurfaces]

We're so happy you enjoyed! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@Guitarmfig]

Great tutorial, where can I find the brackets that hold up your backdrop and what are they called?

[@JillBJones]

Awesome info, Mandy! I can't believe how much I've learned since joining the VIP group. Keep them coming!!

[@replicasurfaces]

Yayy that's exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks so much for checking it out Jill!

[@Colinsskul4]

Do you have any recommendations on soft boxes? I have 4 and a light ring and I really wish I went with just one or two better quality ones. I see you use the octagon one..

[@sirluke3654]

another great video, thanks Mandy! Though I use artificial light most of the time, this is worth trying out :)

[@replicasurfaces]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And I totally get that - artificial lighting is a lot more predictable than natural light

[@rinkidey7736]

where can I get clamps to attach the floor drop and backdrop together like yours?

[@laynieree4536]

Thank you! So clear and to the point. Can I ask, how would you brighten the whites of a background in flatly with affecting the exposure of the product?

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks so much for watching! In the Lightroom app, you can brighten your whites in the "Light" section without increasing the overall exposure. However, if your subject is also white, you may need to create a mask to avoid overexposing it. 😊

[@Zohalee]

wow this was such an amazing video. I learned sooooo much. Thank you!!!!

[@replicasurfaces]

So glad! Thank you, Sarah!

[@daylight1440]

This was really helpful! I do have one question though: what time of day is best for getting true white colors? I have a north facing window that I take my photos next to, but my white balance and colors are always off (despite using auto white balance and custom white balance). I think I’ve tried every single window in the house with no luck! I so badly want to bite the bullet and buy a few surfaces, but feel I need to tackle this white balance issue first!

[@replicasurfaces]

Hi Gabby! I have found that late in the day is when I see the white balance to be most thrown off. I often tackle this with some quick edits in Adobe Lightroom by reducing the blues/purples and increasing exposure. It's truly incredible what a little editing can do for your photos. My next video is about my approach to Lightroom editing, so I'd subscribe to make sure you don't miss that one!

[@shahminahil9578]

I am starting candle business. I dont hav ewindow sadly. But i am gonna try it in my balcony. Hope it goes well.

[@taylorwan1087]

Can you do a video on color combination of subject and props or backdrop?

[@replicasurfaces]

That's a great idea! We'll definitely keep it in mind for future videos! 😊

[@Colinsskul4]

Omg Mandy I seriously need you to come to my house for a day. You are awesome. I have so many of your surfaces and love them all. I am a full time reseller but I have been struggling big time with lighting in my house.. I do see in the video though the lighting you are getting in this room is amazing I do not really get great light in my house.. I have 4 older limostudio soft boxes and a light ring but I use an iPhone.. Do you think bec I am not using a camera is hurting me??? and is it possible for you to do a video on iPhone vs. camera. And maybe some reasonable product photography camera options?? Wouldn’t be such a bad idea to invest just do not have the 1000 budget. Lol

[@replicasurfaces]

Hi Christine! Thank you so so much for your kind words. 🤗 I'd definitely go to the spot in your home where you get the most light and test throughout the day to see when it's best. If it still isn't bright enough, then you may want to invest in artificial lighting. I just made a video about this and you can find that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6ewdX6BiZmBZqM

[@replicasurfaces]

You don't need a DSLR camera for great photos, but it does help as there are settings (like ISO) that help you in low light environments that just aren't available on iPhones. Another option that you always have is editing your photos with software like Adobe Lightroom. It is truly amazing what software like this can do to punch up photos. I am writing up my approach to Lightroom this week and will have a KZbin video about that coming out in the next couple of weeks!

[@Colinsskul4]

Replica Surfaces Thank you! I do use Adobe Lightroom bulk editing which is a life save!! With the white background surface I do have a lot of blue in the photo if I take it outside which I do often! Not sure how to fix it..

[@diogobale1182]

Hi there! Loved your video it has very good information for people who don't have equipment and want to use natural light. However, I've been reviewing my notes and I have a question. Distant light sources create hard shadows. Close light sources create light shadows. But if you put for example a flashlight close to the object wouldn't it create hard shadows And the daylight that is far away wouldn't create light shadows like you said so? Thanks again!!

[@replicasurfaces]

A flashlight is a very small light source, so when it is placed near the subject or scene, it will create a more direct light on the subject aka hard shadows. But when you pull the flashlight away, the light is softer and diffused, but significantly darker because the original light source is so small to begin with. Now, let’s take a window for example. You’d expect direct sunlight streaming in from a large window to create soft shadows, but on bright, cloudless days, you’re going to get hard shadows without diffusion because direct sunlight is still direct light no matter how close or far away it is. Diffusion is the key to soft shadows, a white sheet, or sheer white curtains allow the light to spread evenly across the whole window. Spreading the light out across a large area rather than allowing it to directly shine on the subject is how soft shadows are achieved. I hope that info helps!

[@diogobale1182]

@@replicasurfaces Thank you so much! Now I understand every point perfectly Keep going and bring us good videos as you have been doing Btw you have a beautiful smile 😄 Have a good day

[@BlackProductionFilms]

Amazing video, but did you just experience minor earth quake at 5:18?

[@renee55p]

What if you have really bad natural lighting and want to use artificial? What do you recommend for artificial lighting, as well as the type of bulb to get? There are so many different kinds of lights, I'm so confused!

[@replicasurfaces]

What a coincidence, I have an artificial lighting video coming out soon! I'll give more details in it, but basically I think a continuous soft box is your best bet. If you want a link to the one I like, click the link above for my artificial lighting blog post - the info in it is similar to what I'll be talking about in my video

[@Universemyview]

Such an amazing video I loved it ❤.

[@replicasurfaces]

Thank you so much!! We're so happy you loved it! ☺️

[@shahminahil9578]

Any tips For My small business?

[@fitraendi5930]

what is the name (keyword) of the connector between the pedestal and the background? i really need that! please answer. i love your videos

[@replicasurfaces]

Hi Fitra, apologies for my super late reply! The connectors are Replica Stands - they're custom-fit to hold any two Replica Surfaces in the L-shape you see in the video. You can get them at replicasurfaces.com and they actually come free when you use the bundle tool to order two or more Surfaces. Hope that helps!

[@japanesewithnana]

I’d be interested in seeing how to decorate around your product

[@replicasurfaces]

For sure, I'm planning to make more styling videos in the new year! In the meantime did you have a chance to check out my Compositions video - I think you'll get some great styling tips from it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ-yhWR_gdR8o7s

[@akmalphk4437]

Where to buy those awesome backdrop?

[@replicasurfaces]

You can find the Surfaces on replicasurfaces.com

[@huwpenson2678]

not editing is cheating ! lol

[@ricardinhobxvagina]

Very good my friend

[@melissaarriagag]

A very helpful video, thank you!

[@replicasurfaces]

Thanks for watching Melissa!