The use of daylight in photography is all too often overlooked. How it is used, controlled, blocked or reflected can materially change how a photograph will look. Combine it with artificial light, be it tungsten or flash, and a whole variety of possibilities will open up. When taking photographs outdoors, light is just one of the many factors that the photographer has to take into account. This image-led book features superb outdoor portraits by top international photographers. Clear text and easy-to-follow diagrams reveal both the physical steps and the initial thought processes involved from brief to finished image.

Cathy Joseph began her career as a feature writer for Camera Weekly and Photo Technique before moving on to the UK's leading photography magazine, Amateur Photographer. She is currently a freelance contributor to various photographic publications and websites, and author of three previous books on wedding photography, location portraiture and outdoor photography.