Karl Taylor brings us this great video about natural light portraits, and the one tool he feels is essential for shooting into the light.
Karl explains the key elements for taking a great portrait outdoors in natural light: communicating with your subject, choosing the "right" lens, selecting a good aperture, shooting into the light and making the most of the surrounding environment. To combat the shadows created by shooting into the light, he has an assistant hold a giant reflector — to bounce sunlight back onto the model's face.
For photographing adults, this works a treat — they're less easily overwhelmed by big bits of equipment! If only I could use one when photographing kids scampering around the park — but we can't have it all.
I remember my surprise years ago when I booked a natural light photographer to take my headshot and she whipped out an enormous reflector. I'd anticipated a low-key session in the park but definitely felt more "on show" to passersby — the results were well worth it though!
What do you think? Do you reach for a reflector or do you search for gentle shade instead? Does it still count as natural light photography if you're using a reflector?
This video is over a decade old... how much of a secret can it be at this point?
Reflectors are a secret? Really?
Ha! No - but many natural light photographers haven't even considered them.
It's always problematic when one speaks in absolute terms. While dramatic, backlighting is not the only/best way for natural light portraits. Newbies be ware, there's always more than one way to shoot!
Good point!
Glad the reminder was useful!
"A little known secret"? Isn't it a little late for April Fools?
Clickbait headline with less than illuminating (ha-ha) video.
This is too advanced for me. Please start with the on off switch. What does it do?
Here's a secret you guys! Lighting a model's front side is more important than lighting their backside!
Depends what you're shooting. ;)
You win.
Problem is, in a world full of high tech must haves, that are marketed so heavy, consumer photographers ignore the (non sexy) low tec solutions, that are easy to use, and really do the job too
Repeat after me. ISO isn't lighting, photography is all about light
I agree - it's easy to overlook the simple tools, but they can be brilliant.