This week, I want to help newer photographers to understand how to get nice outside lighting without flash. Where can you find the best light? In this blog, I will show some examples of how to work with the light I already have. In this picture of the little girls eating watermelon, you will notice that there is spotty shade in the background. It is important not to have them facing in that direction, because there would be white spots on their faces, but I’ve put their backs to the sun and have them sitting on a white blanket. This reflects light back up into their faces. It works like a white reflector. In addition, the hats shade their faces from the sun.
High School Senior at Rifle Recreation Area in Lupton, MI
This image was taken out at the Rifle River Recreation Area. It was later in the day, almost sunset, thus the light has a soft golden glow, for some nice outside lighting.
High School Senior in Rose City, MI
When you are outside, you want to look at where the light is coming from. If there is any open sky & overcast, then you will have nice outside lighting .
In this image out in the open field with full sun, you can see a spot of shade around the little girl. We used an umbrella to shade her from the direct sun.
High School Senior Girl posing by a shingled wall.
Always look for the shady side of a building. The light coming from the front will light your subject, but their face will be in the shade. That’s called “open shade” and it will result in nice outside lighting.
Try to have a darker background than your subjects, and face them into the light. Then your exposure will be easier to adjust.
