There are two types of natural lights that result in exceptional photographs: golden hour and overcast.
The gold, warm tones of the golden hour illuminate the subject in a soft manner, offering depth but no harsh shadows. Similarly, the cloud cover in overcast acts as a massive soft-box that diffuses the light and creates deep and soft shadows.
However, we don’t always get the time or the chance to photograph in these specific instances. Therefore, here are some portrait photography tricks that can help you achieve similar results without photographing under an overcast or during the golden hour.
Tip # 1: Find Some Shade
If there aren’t any clouds, you can look for a shaded spot to photograph your model. This shade can either be from a tree or a building. As long as it saves you from the harsh sunlight, it’s fine.
In the image above, you can see how evenly the light falls on the subjects’ faces. While there are no sharp light on the faces, we can clearly see the expressions on the subjects’ faces.
Moreover, the small bursts of light on the woman’s hair and baby’s arm bring tonal variety and overall vitality to the shot.
Tip # 2: Use a Reflector
If you’re shooting outdoors, you need to have your own lighting equipment so that you can control the excessive sunlight. The easiest way to go about this is to carry a reflector pack.
Unlike their name, reflectors don’t bounce the light onto the subject. Instead, they control the amount of light that falls on the subject. To do that, you’ll have to control the angle, height, and distance of the reflector from the subject.
Most of the time, reflector packs contain a translucent variant used as a diffuser and a white reflector that can brighten the subject.
Tip # 3: Use Artificial Light
While the light under a shadow is even, sometimes it can fall flat, resulting in a photograph that looks lifeless. If you think that there’s not a lot of dynamic light when you’re out to shoot, don’t hesitate to use artificial lighting to elevate the image.
The image above was photographed on an overcast day. However, when I added an off-camera light source, the subjects became adequately illuminated. Notice how the light is not bathing the subjects but falling perfectly in places where it brings life to the photograph?
Tip # 4: Use a Shoot-Through Umbrella
A shoot-through umbrella is another way to diffuse the light that falls on your subject’s face. However, the issue with an umbrella is that someone must hold it in place near your subjects.
This means that you can only use shoot-through umbrellas if you’re photographing up-close portraits of someone’s face or taking upper body shots.
Your Search for a Family Portrait Photographer in Vancouver Ends Here
I am Mary, and I’m a Vancouver-based family portrait photographer. I also specialize in newborn and maternity photography. I have been taking photographs for the past twenty years, and I can help you capture the priceless and beautiful moments with your family. Get in touch with me.