Tag: bounce light

Halloween is approaching and pumpkin patchs have sprouted up every where.   We went yesterday to scout out pumpkins and take some festive photographs in the patch. 

I thought I’d share a few tips on photographing outdoors in bright and direct sunlight.  You’d think taking pictures outside in the sun would be easy.  It’s not!  Often what you get is bright, harsh highlights with deep, dark shadows and little in between. Here’s a quick pic of my daughter – she’s having a blast, but the photo isn’t one of my best…It is, however, an example of what I’m talking about.  Half of her face is too bright, the other half is too dark.

This might sound funny to you, but look for shade – I’m serious.  If you find a nice shady spot, chances are with all that sun you’ll get very even light bouncing around so you can photograph without getting all that contrast.  Try arranging the pumpkins and making a fun little obstacle course for your little one to play on.

If shade isn’t available, then use the sun as side lighting.  Here’s one that works.  By letting the sun shine to the side and behind her, you can avoid all that harsh contrast.  If you’re really prepared, you can use a fill flash, too, to kick some light into her face.  Sometimes, if I’m caught without my flash (like yesterday) I’ll use something big and white to reflect the sun.  You’ll have to experiment to find the best positioning, but as a general rule keep the white card (or paper or hat or shirt or whatever works) directly opposite the sun.  Move it around and watch where the sun goes.  Of course, as you’re doing this your little one has stopped looking at you, moved away from what you wanted to capture in the first place and probably has toddled away…beware!