This will also happen on sunny days if your subject is in shade. Rickshaw Men Durban, South Africa Photographed within minutes of each other, one man was in direct sunlight, the other in indirect light. Direct sunlight has stronger, more natural colors, but the shadows on the face are harsh. The indirect light provides better lighting for a portrait, but the color of the light has changed. The quality of natural light is determined by the position of the sun and the weather.
Light quality can vary from one moment to the next.
Direct sunlight becomes indirect as a cloud blocks its rays. A small break in heavy cloud just above the horizon can transform a scene from ordinary to spectacular in a split second. Fiji A mid-afternoon downpour produces a very soft light. Contrast is reduced and colors are muted. Rain streaks are much more noticeable against a dark background.