The photographers who contributed to 18 Magazine were known for their ability to create beautiful images using nothing but natural light. They didn't rely on flashes or other artificial sources of illumination; instead, they would often shoot outdoors or near large windows to take advantage of the soft, flattering light that it cast upon the model. This approach gave their photos a unique look that set them apart from many other publications at the time. By using natural light, 18 was able to create an atmosphere that felt warm and inviting, which helped make its readers feel more connected to the models in the magazine. The result was a sense of intimacy that is still remembered fondly today.
To achieve this effect, photographers had to be very skilled in reading the available light and making adjustments accordingly. Sometimes, they might have to move around during a shoot until they found the perfect spot where the sun or moonlight could reflect off of a nearby surface and give them just the right amount of light for their composition. Other times, they might have to wait for the ideal moment when the clouds parted enough to let through some rays of sunshine without casting too much shadow.
There are many benefits to shooting with natural light. For one thing, it can help create a more realistic-looking image. When you use artificial lights, everything tends to look a bit too bright and harsh, whereas natural light has a softer quality that looks more like what we see in everyday life. Additionally, working with natural light is generally easier than lugging around all sorts of equipment; photographers can simply point their camera at the subject and start snapping away! Finally, using natural light also creates a feeling of spontaneity, since you never know exactly how things will turn out until you press the shutter release button.
Of course, there are some challenges associated with shooting in natural light as well. One of the biggest is dealing with changing weather conditions – if it starts raining or snowing while you're trying to take pictures outside, your session may have to be delayed or even cancelled altogether. Another issue is finding appropriate locations where there's ample amounts of sunlight (or lack thereof) throughout the day; sometimes this means having to travel far from home just to get good lighting conditions.
Despite these challenges, though, 18 Magazine proved that great photos don't necessarily require expensive studio gear or complicated setups. With just some patience and skillful manipulation of available light sources, anyone can achieve beautiful results on film! And while other magazines might have followed suit by adopting similar techniques themselves over time, no one has ever quite matched 18's signature style.