Here’s another shot from the shoot last week with Rodger Newbold from the Salt Lake Arts Center. Rodger brought along a number of reflectors as well as large plastic mirrors he picked up from an industrial type of store. The mirrors were more powerful than the traditional reflectors and were helpful adding more light to shape around the model.just didn’t cut it. Here, by reflecting the early evening light back on to the model, Jessica, it eliminated shadows and created those beautiful catch lights in her eyes (love this light).
Here are a few other steps that I always do for outdoor pictures.
1. First and foremost, I look for even lighting for the background. A background that is brighter than your subject is generally and by having your subject being lighter than your background frames the picture and draws the eye where you want it to go. Did you want a silhouette? Neither does your client or whoever else you are shooting for. You can use a flash to offset this imbalance or do what’s easier by using a reflector to relight the shot. Make sure the light reflects back into the eyes.
2. Second, when shooting outdoor portraits, I often will custom white balance particularly when there are a lot greens from the deep shade or hot reds from the late afternoon sun. Such lighting can really throw off your camera and your colors will be fracked (reflective green light for skin tones?) It’s easier to get it right first off the bat, rather than trying to fix your images later.
3. Third, I zoom in and take a meter reading off the skin. I do this because I like my skin bright so I simply bump up the exposure up two or three notches. Remember the middle of your meter exposes for mid grey and unless you want people to look a little corpse ashen, follow this step!
4. And last, focus on the eyes always! I can’t tell you how many shots I’ve trashed because the focus wasn’t tight. The trash will already be full from your other mistakes (poor image composition, awkward body angles, wrong lens length, etc). Lighten it’s load by disciplining yourself to following these simple steps and improve your overall shoot every time. Good luck!<
