UNDERSTANDING LIGHT WITH CLAIRE FRANCES PHOTOGRAPHY. SHOALHAVEN | JERVIS BAY NSW
Shoalhaven Maternity, New-born and Family Photographer.
Understanding light when it comes to photography is crucial for photographers. However, it's also incredibly beneficial for you as a client to understand the different kinds of light and how it can enhance your session in different ways. Depending on what sort of feel and look you want for your final imagery may influence your decisions on the time of day you choose, to even your outfits.
This following blog 'Understanding light with Claire Frances Photography' will take you on a journey through different kinds of light, all captured on the South Coast of NSW in the Shoalhaven Region of Jervis Bay.
PHOTOGRAPHY: PAINTING WITH LIGHT
Photography means: Painting with light. As your Shoalhaven photographer, I already understand how different types of light enhances your imagery. I want this for you! So you can choose which kind of setting you would love for your Maternity, Newborn or Family Sessions here on the South Coast, Jervis Bay NSW. Perhaps you’d love a mix.
Over the next few minuets a little insight into the different kinds of magical light we can photograph in.
The Golden Hours
The Golden hours, often referred to as nature’s most flattering light, is the brief window just after sunrise or before sunset when the sun casts a soft, golden glow across the landscape. For photography, it offers a beautifully warm, diffused light that enhances skin tones, adds depth and emotion to images, and evokes a sense of serenity and timeless connection. Here in Jervis Bay NSW we're blessed to have access to sunsets over the water. These can be perfect for your Shoalhaven family, Maternity or outdoor new born photography session.
Don't feel blue, it's truly magic.
Don't feel Blue, it's truly magic refers to the blue hour. It's the magical sliver of time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky is painted in deep, dreamy hues of blue and indigo. This soft, ethereal light creates a calm, cinematic atmosphere—perfect for capturing images that feel both serene and soul-stirring, with a quiet sense of wonder woven through every frame. Jervis Bay on the South Coast NSW is an absolute beautiful choice for BLLUE hour Maternity Photography.
backlight Magic
Backlight magic in photography occurs when the light source shines from behind the subject, wrapping the scene in a soft, golden glow and creating a dreamy, luminous atmosphere. It's a powerful technique for capturing emotion and depth, and when used intentionally, it can create striking silhouette images—where form and connection are beautifully outlined against the light, telling a soulful story without the need for detail.
'Claire is one of the best Maternity Photographers in the Shoalhaven. Her ability to capture you in all kinds of light is simply incredible. You wont be disappointed'
-E
Filtered Light
Filtered light in photography is gentle, diffused light that passes through a medium—like sheer curtains, tree leaves, or clouds—softening harsh shadows and creating a beautifully even, luminous glow. It brings a sense of calm and intimacy to images, allowing delicate details and natural emotion to shine through with grace and subtlety’. This is a wonderful winter option for a Family, maternity or outdoor new born photography session here in Jervis Bay NSW. With the bush backdrop the light begins to filter though the trees on our beaches from around 3pm. Making it the perfect time for an early Family photography session that sees you home in time for dinner.
spotlight from the front
Just like in the theatre, being in the spotlight from the front is really how to shine light on you. Front light in photography is when the light source shines directly onto the subject from the front, often resulting in bright, bold images with strong clarity and definition. Shooting in full sun at midday—when light is at its most intense—can be challenging, but when handled with skill and intention, it creates striking contrast and dramatic depth. Mastering this light is key to preserving natural tones and authentic emotion while embracing the bold interplay between light and shadow.
Even Stephen
Even Stephen light as I like to call it, in photography is soft, balanced illumination that wraps gently around the subject, often found in open shade or on overcast days when clouds act as a natural diffuser. This kind of light is beautifully flattering, reducing harsh shadows and highlights, and creating smooth, even skin tones—making it ideal for capturing heartfelt, authentic moments with a sense of calm and connection. Even Light is not difficult to find in the Shoalhaven for your Family, Maternity or New born session and we will always find some to capture some moments in. After all, who doesn't love to feel balanced??
NATURAL STUDIO LIGHT
Natural light in a studio environment refers to the use of sunlight—often streaming through large windows or diffused by sheer curtains—as the primary source of illumination. It brings a soft, organic warmth to images, allowing for an authentic, emotive feel that echoes the beauty of natural connection while offering the control and comfort of an indoor setting. As one of the leading Shoalhaven Photographers I am currently working on having a professional studio of my own in the not to distant future. The family, Maternity and New born photography possibilities here in Jervis Bay will become endless.
cONTROLLED PERFECTION
Controlled light in a studio environment involves the intentional use of artificial lighting such as soft boxes, continuous lights, or flash to shape and sculpt the scene with precision. This approach allows for full creative control, offering the ability to highlight emotion, texture, and tone exactly as envisioned, while soft boxes help mimic natural light with a gentle, flattering glow that beautifully enhances every detail.’
fUN IN THE SUN FLARE
Sun flares in photography are the beautiful bursts or streaks of light that occur when sunlight directly enters the lens, adding a sense of magic, warmth, and spontaneity to an image. The final look of the flare can be artfully controlled through aperture settings and the choice of lens, as each lens type reacts differently to light. Thoughtful subject placement is also key—whether you want to subtly backlight your subject or let the flare take centre stage, positioning determines how the light dances through the frame, shaping the emotion and energy of the moment. Playing around with these during your Shoalhaven Photography sessions are lots of fun and depending on the mood can really create some magic.
Let the light tell your story
Letting light tell your story means more than just capturing a beautiful image—it’s about revealing emotion, connection, and the quiet magic within each moment. Understanding how light shapes a photograph will help you choose a photographer who not only works with light but sees with it—someone who can gently bring your story into the light with depth, intention, and heart. Here in heart of Jervis Bay, Located in the Shoalhaven region of the South Coast NSW you will certainly be spoilt for choice. As a leading Shoalhaven Maternity, New Born and Family photographer, I've got you and no matter the light on the day of our session, we will be able to tell your story beautifully.
'We had the most amazing photography session with Claire. She was very respectful, easy going, supportive and guided us so beautifully.
Claire knew exactly what would get us the best shots and working so well with the elements.
Most of all Claire’s final delivery of her photos were next level, her editing skills are one of the best I’ve seen and it’s what drew me to book her.
Claire communicated so well throughout the whole process and delivered the photos in a timely manner.'
