Henry Kerrigan
Sep 28, 2026
Natural light has a magic of its own. Here are the tricks I use to keep my photos soft, clean, and timeless — no flash, no fuss.
Timing Is Everything
I almost always shoot early in the morning or just before sunset — golden hour has this magical way of flattering everything and everyone. That warm, low light adds dimension, mood, and softness without you having to do much.
When I’m shooting indoors, I look for diffused light sources like sheer curtains, light-toned walls, or even the subtle glow bouncing off a nearby surface. It’s not just about brightness — it’s about quality. And honestly, overcast days are some of my favorites. That big gray sky acts like a giant softbox, giving you super even light with no harsh shadows. It’s a win, not a setback.
Shape the Light, Don’t Fight It
I’m not into over-lighting things. If I use a reflector, it’s barely there — just enough to gently lift shadows, not flatten them. I like my shots to have a bit of texture and contrast. When I’m shooting backlit, especially outdoors, I’ll slightly overexpose the image to let that light wrap around the subject.
Later in post, I pull it back just enough, keeping the softness and glow intact. That dreamy, almost hazy feeling? It doesn’t come from artificial fill — it’s from letting natural light breathe and doing a little shaping rather than overpowering.
Let the Subject Breathe
Great light is only half the story. The other half is the person in front of the lens. I never ask someone to freeze or pose stiffly. Instead, I let them move a little, shift their weight, look around, or interact with whatever’s nearby. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence.
When someone forgets the camera is even there, and the light just quietly supports the moment, that’s when the best shots happen. There’s a rhythm to it: the light sets the tone, and the subject fills it with something real.