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Thread started 03 Aug 2011 (Wednesday) 06:54
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Advice how to get good light when the sun is right above the subject

 
jonas18z
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Aug 03, 2011 06:54 |  #1

I want to shoot a person in a chair outside but I know the sun i going to be right above the model and the light is going to be ugly, strong shadows....

Can you give me som light tips for this situation?




  
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Gatorboy
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Aug 03, 2011 06:58 |  #2

Fill flash


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mrbubbles
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Aug 03, 2011 07:13 |  #3

I think a reflector could work.


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vraspagraphix
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Aug 03, 2011 07:47 |  #4

Are you shooting individuals or groups?




  
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vraspagraphix
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Aug 03, 2011 07:51 |  #5

Sorry, just reread post. For an individual just create your own shade. Large transluscent umbrella or a large piece of foam core to block direct light.




  
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Aug 03, 2011 08:03 |  #6

jonas18z wrote in post #12868748 (external link)
I want to shoot a person in a chair outside but I know the sun i going to be right above the model and the light is going to be ugly, strong shadows....Can you give me som light tips for this situation?

As previously mentioned, fill flash is the technique to use. Actual examples:

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See the shadows at the subjects' feet? Those shadows would have completely enveloped the subjects had a flash (a Sunpak 383, in this case) not been used as the primary illumination. Getting the flash settings right may take some experimentation, but it can be done.



  
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KandJinIN
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Aug 03, 2011 08:16 |  #7

If you create your own shade, won't that lead towards overexposing the background quite a bit? Obviously that is better than the nasty shadows that come from direct sun on the subject, just wasn't sure if that would add a distraction to the shot.




  
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Curtis ­ N
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Aug 03, 2011 09:13 |  #8

jonas18z wrote in post #12868748 (external link)
I want to shoot a person in a chair outside but I know the sun i going to be right above the model

Someone needs to ask this.

Why would you want to shoot a person in a chair outside when you know the sun is going to be right above the model?


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quiksquirrel
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Aug 03, 2011 09:16 |  #9

As said, fill flash, reflector or shade/defuser.

I like reflectors because they allow me to keep some shadow if desired. Sometimes hard shadows can work really well.




  
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suecassidy
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Aug 03, 2011 09:30 |  #10

I respectfully disagree that a reflector can overpower the shadows from noon sun enough to get rid of harsh shadows. It will lessen them, but it doesn't do the trick.


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quiksquirrel
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Aug 03, 2011 09:55 |  #11

suecassidy wrote in post #12869436 (external link)
I respectfully disagree that a reflector can overpower the shadows from noon sun enough to get rid of harsh shadows. It will lessen them, but it doesn't do the trick.

That is most likely be a simple matter of location.
Denmark is fairly close to the northern edge of the temperate zone after all.

I should have taken that into account.




  
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suecassidy
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Aug 03, 2011 10:19 |  #12

quiksquirrel wrote in post #12869593 (external link)
That is most likely be a simple matter of location.
Denmark is fairly close to the northern edge of the temperate zone after all.

I should have taken that into account.


As should I...I guess California high noon sun and Denmark's would not be the same quality of light? Sometimes I forget this is an international forum :)


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quiksquirrel
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Aug 03, 2011 10:33 |  #13

suecassidy wrote in post #12869729 (external link)
As should I...I guess California high noon sun and Denmark's would not be the same quality of light?

Indeed..

Having worked in both California and Denmark, I can honestly say that I much prefer the light here.

But then again.. We don't have as many sunny days as you do (less than 1500 hours per year on average).




  
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whuband
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Aug 03, 2011 10:36 |  #14

Curtis N wrote in post #12869344 (external link)
Someone needs to ask this.

Why would you want to shoot a person in a chair outside when you know the sun is going to be right above the model?

I wouldn't want to, but it might be the only time the person is available.


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tkbslc
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Aug 03, 2011 10:40 |  #15

whuband wrote in post #12869817 (external link)
I wouldn't want to, but it might be the only time the person is available.

Time, I understand. But location, I do not. I have shot in mid-day and I find shade and/or use diffusers and reflectors. I don't ask them to sit in the sun.

If this is just how to shoot family snapshots in the sun, then just do fill flash like mentioned above. It doesn't look terribly flattering or natural, but it is better than racoon eyes.


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Advice how to get good light when the sun is right above the subject
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