VIDEO
Outdoor photo shoot in summer: mistakes and life hacks when working with light
Outdoor photo shoots in summer can be incredibly rewarding due to the vibrant colors and abundant natural light. However, working with light in outdoor settings presents unique challenges. Here are common mistakes to avoid and some life hacks to make the most of your summer photo shoot.
COMMON MISTACES
1. Shooting at High Noon:
Issue: The harsh, overhead sunlight at midday creates strong shadows and high contrast, making it difficult to capture well-balanced images.
Solution: Avoid shooting during midday. Instead, plan your shoot during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the light is softer and warmer.
2. Ignoring Shadows:
Issue: Harsh sunlight creates unflattering shadows on your subject’s face and body.
Solution: Use reflectors or diffusers to soften shadows. Position your subject so that the light hits them from the side rather than directly above.
3. Overexposed Highlights:
Issue: Bright sunlight can cause parts of your image to be overexposed, losing detail in the highlights.
Solution: Use the exposure compensation feature on your camera to slightly underexpose your images, preserving details in the highlights. Shooting in RAW format also allows more flexibility in post-processing.
4. Not Using Fill Flash:
Issue: Backlighting can cause your subject to be underexposed if the background is very bright.
Solution: Use a fill flash or reflector to illuminate your subject and balance the exposure.
5. Ignoring the Background:
Issue: A busy or distracting background can take attention away from your subject.
Solution: Be mindful of the background and adjust your composition to ensure it complements rather than detracts from the subject.
LIFE HACKS FOR WORKING WITH LIGHT
6. Golden Hour Magic:
Tip: Plan your shoot around the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft and golden. This light flatters the skin tones and adds a warm, dreamy quality to your images.
7. Use Reflectors:
Tip: Carry a portable reflector to bounce light onto your subject, filling in shadows and creating a more balanced exposure. Silver reflectors provide a strong fill, while white reflectors offer a softer light.
8. Find Natural Diffusers:
Tip: Use natural elements like tree canopies, buildings, or even umbrellas to diffuse harsh sunlight and create a more even light on your subject.
9. Leverage Backlighting:
Tip: Position your subject with the sun behind them to create a beautiful backlit effect. This technique can produce a halo of light around your subject’s hair and add depth to your images. Use a fill flash or reflector to light the front of your subject.
10.Polarizing Filters:
Tip: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and reflections, especially when shooting near water or other reflective surfaces. It also helps to enhance colors and contrast.
11.Embrace Shade:
Tip: On very bright days, move your subject into shaded areas to avoid harsh shadows and squinting. Open shade (shade that is not too dark) provides even lighting without the harshness of direct sunlight.
12.Experiment with Angles:
Tip: Don’t be afraid to move around and try different angles. Sometimes, changing your position slightly can drastically improve the quality of light on your subject.
13.Use ND Filters:
Tip: Neutral density (ND) filters allow you to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds in bright conditions without overexposing your image. This is especially useful for achieving a shallow depth of field or capturing motion.
14.Creative Use of Sun Flares:
Tip: Sun flares can add a creative and ethereal touch to your photos. Position the sun just outside the frame or partially blocked by an object (like a tree or your subject) to create controlled flares.
15.Practice Patience:
Tip: Light conditions change rapidly outdoors. Be patient and wait for the perfect moment when the light is just right. Sometimes a few minutes can make a big difference in the quality of light.
Conclusion
Shooting outdoors in summer offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photography, but it requires careful management of light. By avoiding common mistakes and utilizing these life hacks, you can harness natural light to create beautiful, well-lit images. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to mastering outdoor photography. Happy shooting!
