High key, outdoors and flash

[mrloofer]

Hi -

I've been a "strobist" for a few months now, mainly working in my makeshift home studio. I specialize in children photography, or at least that's where I intend to specialize. I've just recently become a Canon user too after purchasing a 5D. Anyway, there is a local photographer to me who produces fantastic high key shots and I'm trying to figure out if she uses flash or not. I would like to achieve this level of images. Her website is www.lenahyde.com (http://www.lenahyde.com) if you care to look and see what I mean. Beautiful color, typical high key white or neutral backgrounds. Thing is I live in Florida where outside light is typically an issue, unless you're shooting way early in the morning or late afternoon. For this reason I've typically kept my photography indoors but would like to do more candid shots like in the example I've given.

Any advice appreciated!

[BBrat]

alot of the pictures if you look at the eyes, you see catchlights. which means some sort of light was added to the picture.

Since you are in FLA, you should use the available light to your advantage. Reflectors and modifiers could help with softening natural light.

[mrloofer]

I always found reflectors to be somewhat cumbersome when working on your own and following kids around. What do you think about filling with a small portable softbox? Such as the Alzo 15"? The Alzo is pretty easy and light to carry in one hand.

Also, for the skin tones that photographer is getting what type of reflector could they be using?

[bobbyz]

Maybe I am missing something but the quick look at the gallery doesn't show me high key outdoor shots. The few that I see are in the studio.

[mrloofer]

Most of the child photos are outside I think.

[bobbyz]

Most of the child photos are outside I think.


But they aren't high key. You can do similar shots in Florida or anywhere else, don't see the problem. Maybe I misread the title that you asking for high key shots done outdoors.

Regarding softbox, I use extra small photoflex. Wish I went with photoflex small as extra small is too small. Small works with flash as well as strobes while extra small is only for flash.

[wcameron]

In terms of creating high key - here is the best tutorial I've ever found on that subject: http://www.zarias.com/?p=71. Can't really offer much on duplicating it outdoors.