Outdoor Portraiture Questions

Hello all!

I've got my first portrait shoot this weekend and plan to be shooting outside assuming it doesn't rain. I've done some reading both on this forum and in books, but still have a few questions.

I'll be taking mostly headshots in front of walls or other non-distracting, simple backgrounds, and will be shooting in the morning light with my 30D and my 24-70 f/2.8L.

I haven't picked up a polarizer yet, should I use one for the shoot? Should I use any other filters?

I also planned on picking up a gold reflector. Is there a certain size that is preferrable? If it is overcast, is there a reflector that might be better?

Thanks,

Stefanie

eh...a polarizer will only really make a difference to an extent in situations, especially how you stand in relation to the sun, but I always keep mine on just to keep the glass from getting busted...

pick up a 5 in 1 reflector and hopefully have an assistant or a strong boom to hold it....
you will have many uses for the diffusing side, white silver black etc
and as far as size, the larger the better... I like to use a reflector in most situations, if its direct sun you can use it to fill in harsh shadows...but you said youll be shooting in the morning so that shouldn't be a problem...
I would have the subject backlit and use the reflector and some fill flash to bounce the light back...

and well, have fun

Stephanie, you haven't mentioned but will you be using any sort or fill flash? Ideally if you are you want the flash to put out light that is approximately 1-stop less than ambient lighting. This will give you some very pleasant fill and open up the "racoon eye" shadows that typically occur in shade.

If you aren't using fill flash, rocker's suggestion of fill reflectors is very good; the larger the reflector the better. Large soft diffuse light sources are better than small harsh point sources. - Stu

I don't plan on using any fill flash. Flash is one of those areas I'm not too familiar with. I need to be, I know... but I doubt that is going to happen by tomorrow.

I understand and sympathize - it certainly can be daunting at times . You'll be in good shape with some reflectors. They don't even have to be elaborate. I've used large sheets of illustration board, white foam core... they all work quite well and don't cost much.

intrinsicvalue wrote in post #5117899
I don't plan on using any fill flash. Flash is one of those areas I'm not too familiar with. I need to be, I know... but I doubt that is going to happen by tomorrow.

My reflector is 20x30" foam core covered in crinkled aluminum foil with elastic hot-glued to the back so I can hang it on the pole of a light stand. Cost me about $3.50 to make.

Thanks for the ideas. Sounds like I need to hit a craft store quick!

If you have a Wal-Mart, you have a reflector!