Pixelchats is back once again. This time on lighting. Very basic lighting that is! I always have clients get bummed out when it is a bit overcast on their wedding or portrait day. I always have to explain to them that this is a good thing!
Of course you think you want a beautiful bring sunny day for pictures, but the fact is that shooting in the sun is not that great! Case in point, see my quick snaps from my phone of my girls below. ( this was taken at 730 this morning on day 3 of very intense soccer camp week. They are already exhausted! Ha! I know they are get tired of being my models, but to explain this point I was able to get them this morning. shhh, don't tell them these are on the blog - they would be mortified! )
Anyway - take a look a this shot of them in the sun. as you can see shooting in the sun produces high contrast images. Not to mention the models are squinting! If you move them slightly so they are not directly looking into the sun, then you will get too much contrast on the face.
Then, all I did is BEG ( ha ) for a few more shots in the shade. Now look at these images below in the shade.
As you can see, there is no harsh shadows and no squinting! Yea!
One other quick tip is that if you are shooting outside during the day - you can use your flash! Flash is not just for night time. Flash will actually help both in the sun and shade. When you use your flash in the sun. it will help reduce the harsh shadows. When you use flash in the shade, it will pop the eyes a bit for you and brighten the skin just a bit.
There you go, quick tip for you to take some great shots this summer. Think about and coordinate your wardrobe ( last weeks lesson) and think about taking your portraits in the shade and you are off to one pretty portrait already!
Happy snapping!
Beth
Here is a family portrait that was taken last week. It was cloudy out and perfect lighting for a portrait!
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