Use of Natural Light in Many Shoots
Cheri's photographers often preferred natural light or simulated natural light setups, which gave photos a warm, authentic glow. This technique contrasted with harsh studio lighting, resulting in more flattering and inviting images. Natural lighting complemented the magazine's sensual, approachable vibe. It was crucial to make sure that models were well-lit but looked natural and comfortable, instead of appearing too artificial. In addition to this, Cheri used natural light for many shoots because it is free and accessible. Photographers could simply open windows and doors, or move outside to take advantage of the sun's rays. They did not need to worry about renting expensive equipment like strobes or flashes. Finally, the look of natural lighting was appealing to readers who associated it with real people and everyday life. The soft, diffused quality of natural light made them feel closer to the subject than they would if they saw a highly posed model. For these reasons, Cheri frequently employed natural lighting in its photo shoots.
Natural Light in Many Shoots
The choice to use natural light in many of its photoshoots was rooted in both practicality and style. Cheri aimed to create a laidback, organic atmosphere, wherein the viewer felt as though they were looking at snapshots of real life rather than carefully composed pictures. By using natural light or simulating natural light, Cheri sought to evoke this feeling through its photography.
For one thing, natural lighting provided an affordable way to produce high-quality photos. Studio lights can be expensive, requiring photographers to rent them or invest in their own bulky, expensive setups. This made the decision to avoid studio lighting financially sound. Natural lighting was also easy to find since it was available everywhere: in the sky above, the outdoors around us, and even in our homes. As such, there was no need to go hunting for a specific kind of lighting, which saved time and money.
In addition, the quality of natural lighting was often more flattering than harsher artificial light. It could make models appear softer and more approachable, less glossy and stylized. Photographers could adjust how much natural light entered the frame by opening windows or doors, moving into different rooms, or asking their subjects to pose differently. They could change the temperature of the light to achieve the desired mood—warm for sunset shots or cooler tones during the day. In contrast, strobes or flashes gave off constant, unchanging light. This created uniform images that looked too perfect and unnatural.
Lastly, many readers associated natural light with genuine moments. A photo taken with natural light appeared more candid and authentic than one with studio lighting. This might have been due to the fact that people are surrounded by natural light daily; we look outside as part of our everyday lives. We see nature's glow on our skin and faces, in our eyes and hair. When we saw these same qualities reflected in Cheri's photos, we felt connected to its models, as though they were real people rather than mannequins posed for an advertisement.
Cheri's decision to use natural light in many of its shoots made sense both from a practical standpoint and stylistic one. The choice allowed it to save money while creating high-quality images, which conveyed a sense of intimacy and ease. These images fit well with Cheri's organic aesthetic and were popular among its readership. Natural light will likely remain a cornerstone of Cheri's photography style for years to come.