Settings Breakdown
Wide apertures are essential indoors to let in maximum light and create subject separation from busy backgrounds. Fast primes (f/1.4-1.8) shine in this environment.
Indoor light is significantly dimmer than outdoors. Don't be afraid to push ISO higher — modern cameras handle 1600+ beautifully, and slight noise beats motion blur.
Eye detection autofocus is your best friend for portraits. With razor-thin depth of field at wide apertures, precise eye focus is non-negotiable.
Indoor lighting varies wildly — daylight from windows, tungsten lamps, mixed sources. Custom white balance or shooting RAW gives you full control.
Matrix metering works well for evenly lit indoor scenes. Switch to center-weighted when there's strong backlight from windows behind your subject.
Watch your shutter speed carefully. Below 1/125s, subject movement creates blur. With image stabilization, you might get away with 1/60s for still subjects.
Pro Tips
Window as Key Light
Position your subject at 45° to a large window for classic, flattering light. The bigger the window, the softer the light. North-facing windows provide consistent, diffused light all day.
Use Sheer Curtains
Direct sunlight through a window is harsh. Sheer white curtains act as a giant softbox, diffusing light into beautiful, wrap-around illumination perfect for portraits.
Kill the Overhead Lights
Turn off room lights. Mixed lighting (daylight + tungsten) creates ugly color casts. Pure window light is cleaner and easier to white balance accurately.
White Wall as Reflector
A white wall opposite the window bounces light back onto your subject's shadow side. No reflector needed — just position your subject between window and wall.
Subject Distance from Window
Close to window = harder, more dramatic light. Further from window = softer, more even light. Experiment with distance to control contrast and mood.
Shoot During Overcast Days
Cloudy days turn entire windows into massive softboxes. No harsh shadows, no need for diffusion — just beautiful, even light for hours.