SHOOTING STEPS
FIND YOUR LOCATION You’ll need to find a window that you can see into, and that you can move around to control reflections, and which your subject can get close to.
Pay attention to the reflections – you need them to be present but not overwhelming.
2 PLACE YOUR MODEL Ask your model to stand close enough to the window that the natural light from outside illuminates their face, even if only a little. Anything far back in the room will fall into shadow, so watch out for this and rearrange as necessary.
3 PLACE YOUR FLASH Use a light with a grid, so that the light spill is contained. Place the flash along the length of the window, pointing towards the model’s face to help add to the natural light from outside. Feathering it will alter how much of the room is lit or kept in the shadows.
4 SET UP YOUR CAMERA Work in manual mode and set a low aperture to create depth. Use a shutter speed that syncs with your flash, then alter the ISO to create an exposure that allows light onto the face but that is slightly underexposed – you will compensate for this with flash.
5 SET THE FLASH As you are blending flash and natural light, you’ll want to keep the flash value relatively low, so that it doesn’t overwhelm the shot. Take some time to manually play with the flash value to find a power that highlights your subject to the best effect and looks seamless alongside the natural light.
6 AROUND TAKE THE SHOT Now frame the reflections and focus the shot. This may have to be manual focus if there are a lot of reflections as the autofocus can get confused. Work with your subject, getting them to look to and away from the camera, depending on the mood of the shot you are trying to achieve.