Portrait Lighting

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Outdoor Portrait Photography Tips

If you have experienced difficulty coming up with great outdoor portraits, below are some tips that can help you capture the photos you’ve been working for.

  • Make use of the overcast: Trying to take outdoor portraits in a cloudy day can work magic. One of the rules of outdoor lighting photography is to avoid direct sunlight. You can do this by taking your shots in overcast skies that basically diffuse the light. The direct sunlight can create unflattering circles under the eyes frame after frame
  • Choose the appropriate lens: Many photographs go wrong with the choice of lens and end up spoiling the portrait. A lens of 85-100mm is great for portraits. Some advantages of using longer lenses include:

a) Longer focal lengths compress the picture so that the background appears blurred putting absolute focus on the subject.

b) It is also easier to maintain focus on the subject using a longer lens because of the narrow angle view.

c) Longer lenses separate the subject, which is the main focus, from the background.

d) In essence, to succeed in outdoor lighting photography, the longer the focal length, the more flattering the images will be.

  • Work on the subject’s poses: Posing can make a huge difference in the kind of portraits you come up with. You should try and show your client how to pose by doing it rather than directing it by word of mouth. Using a stable photography light stand will simplify the entire process
  • Avoid the ‘dead line ups’: When you are shooting group photos, try and avoid the straight lines and put your subjects in a circle instead. Straight lines tend to make people feel awkward and uncomfortable. You can try something different by climbing a ladder and shooting down instead of at them directly. When you are creative, the entire session becomes more fun and the images appear more flattering.
  • Make sure the eyes are in focus: In outdoor lighting photography, one of the greatest challenges is usually ensuring the eyes are in full focus. You will have to use the right shutter speed in order to put attention on the eyes. Use a faster lens like f/2.8 if not faster.
  • Make use of the right equipment: It’s difficult to get the right picture without the correct equipment. For instance, group photos are easier to come up with if you have a photography light stand. It ensures all the lighting equipment is in place as you give the posing instructions and the camera also remains in focus. The Turf Stand is a light, sturdy, affordable option.