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Because direct sunlight is one of the most "high contrast" light sources there is, it is often too harsh for natural looking portraits.
You can modify the light from the sun to achieve better, more natural-looking results. This lesson illustrates a basic approach to shooting outside portraits with simple light modification.
(Click on any image below for an enlarged view.) |
Topics Covered:
- Filtering direct light
- Adding a bounce fill
Equipment Used:
 Figure 1 |
We took our initial shot in direct sunlight with the sun low in the sky.
There was not enough separation between the model's hair and the background. The sunlight raked across our model's face and created long, unflattering shadows along the left side of her face.
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 Figure 2 |
We attached a 42" Translucent LiteDisc to a LiteDisc Holder, secured it to a LiteStand, and positioned it between the sun and the model to diffuse the light.
We also shifted the camera angle slightly to gain more contrast in the background and took another shot. |
 Figure 3 |
The shadows across the face have softened greatly and there is now separation between her hair and the background. This one light modifier alone has created a professional looking result. |
 Figure 4 |
We added another MultiDisc setup to the other side. But instead of using the translucent portion of the MultiDisc, we used the white/soft gold fabric with the white side showing to bounce the sunlight into the shadow side of the model's face. |
 Figure 5 |
Notice now that the model's face is evenly lit, her hair has highlights on each side, and her eyes are nicely illuminated due to the broad reflection of the MultiDiscs. |
Related Lessons
Following are Web Photo School lessons related to this topic.
Equipment Used:
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