How to light your photos like a pro

Master your gear and learn new skills with our explainers and guides.

View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions By Nathan May | 07.19.22 These days it can be tempting to let the latest camera gear take over and adjust your photos and videos for you, automatically brightening your holiday snaps or using fancy filters for your selfies. But this approach doesn't always work, and you can easily end up with saturated 'scapes or a cartoonish complexion. When it comes to taking the perfect photo or video, the truth is there's no substitute for a basic understanding of lighting and the ability to control and create it artificially. The good news is that doesn't mean you have to be a whizz with tech. With some simple concepts and a few inexpensive tools, it can be surprisingly easy to begin. So whether you're an enthusiast looking to sharpen your creative tools or an expert expanding your skills, here is WIRED's guide to lighting your photos and videos like a pro. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. How to Light Your Photos and Videos Like an Expert Nothing will improve your craft more than an understanding of lighting and the ability to control and create it artificially. How to Take a Slick, Professional Headshot With Your Phone Snapping that perfect self-portrait on your phone is a skill. Here's how to do it, according to the experts. Smartphone Camera Tricks That Will Make Your Life Easier Selfies are great—but have you ever tapped into the powers of AR, PDF scanning, and reverse image search? How to Back Up and Move Your Photos Between Services Leaving Google Photos now that it's no longer free and unlimited? Considering Apple Photos or OneDrive? Here's how to take your library with you. How to Rescue Your Photos From an Old Computer Whether it's from a laptop gathering dust or the desktop you're upgrading, these tips will keep your precious memories nearby and easy to share. GET WIRED Get 1 year of WIRED for less than $1 per month. That includes Steven Levy's exclusive newsletter and a free tote! Subscribe now. Have questions or comments? Reply to this email.   When you buy something using the retail links in this email, we earn a small affiliate commission. Read more about how this works.   This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or manage your newsletter subscriptions