Sun Backlit Portraits: how to achieve?

I've been wondering on how to achieve looks like these:

http://cdn.picturecorr​ect.com …2/06/backlit-portrait.jpg

http://farm4.static.fl​ickr.com …4612316499_cd07​755d33.jpg

http://t1.gstatic.com …GT3rCvjFmlIBJoe​6JfuUrcxFw

https://lh5.googleuser​content.com …ttany%2BSelf-portrait.jpg

What is the setup and PP done to those?
I mean.. if I expose to the subject, the sky would be totally blown out.
If I expose to the sky, the subject would be black and I'd have a hard time pushing shadows, generating lots of noise.

Are those pictures having any help of a reflector? Perhaps fill flash?

Then, the PP. I see a overall golden color cast over them, but what else to pop the images like that?

Thank you in advance!

1. Sun behind subject.
2. Shoot.
3.
4. Profit?

Just like in the examples you posted.


You are over thinking it.

Thomas Campbell wrote in post #15564397
1. Sun behind subject.
2. Shoot.
3.
4. Profit?


Just like in the examples you posted.


You are over thinking it.

Exactly. The sky is going to be blown out unless you're talking about blending photos or HDR, but that's not what the examples you posted are.

put your subject between you and the sun and shoot, it's pretty much that simple. Adjust settings until it looks the way you want.

2880 x 1920

EMBED PREVENTED, IMAGE TOO LARGE: http://img13.imageshac​k.us …3461/201212292j​0c4137.jpg Click here to see our image rules.

Most likely a reflector.

Time of day is critical. 30-5 minutes prior to sunset.

Shoot raw. Balance your exposure based on your knowledge of how far you can adjust shadows and highlights. (a 5D III is going to be far more flexible in that regard than a 40D)

If you really need/want a reflector, go big and go white. (...ha)

Simple RGB curves adjustments can really make colors pop. Experiment and tweak to taste.

joe

Search for the "Fill flash" technique. Or a reflector to keep the light temperature consistent.

charro callado wrote in post #15566010
Time of day is critical. 30-5 minutes prior to sunset.

I disagree. I prefer earlier in the day so the sun is higher. Like 3-4 hours before sunset. Sun is high enough to not go directly into the lens and wash out the image, but not high enough to peek over the other side of their head.

Thomas Campbell wrote in post #15570992
I disagree. I prefer earlier in the day so the sun is higher. Like 3-4 hours before sunset. Sun is high enough to not go directly into the lens and wash out the image, but not high enough to peek over the other side of their head.

In at least three of the four shots he referenced the sun is just barely over the horizon.

I'm actually interested in this myself because I also have trouble with photographing a subject either infront of the sun or when the sun is slightly to their side.

Fill flash or reflector if they're close enough. Otherwise opt for the best settings for a sillhoutte.

I think the most important thing hasn't been mentioned: Choosing the correct angle. Changing your position and composition a bit can make the difference between a completely washed out picture or the effect you want. Doesn't really matter if it's 5 min or 4 hours before sunset, as long as your angle is correct.
I never used reflectors or fill in flash for these kind of shots, natural light is enough to achieve this effect.

Check out this thread too: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=943780