When it’s cloudy, you might think it’s the worst time to take portraits. The light is often flat, and contrast is missing, but those clouds are actually providing you with a soft, even light that’s ideal for bringing out natural skin tones. This approach can open up new creative possibilities when you learn how to make the most of that natural light.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this helpful video addresses how to shoot portraits under cloudy skies while enhancing contrast. Alejandrino emphasizes embracing the soft, diffused light that clouds provide, instead of seeing them as a limitation. He explains how cloudy light makes skin tones appear softer and more balanced but notes that contrast is often lacking. To remedy this, he uses a strobe, adding a controlled amount of contrast and depth to his portraits without overdoing it. This strobe is a battery-powered light, which gives flexibility for on-location shoots, and he modifies it with a two-foot octabox to create an even, flattering light source.
The technique Alejandrino demonstrates here is helpful for anyone who wants to step up their portrait game in challenging conditions. His setup includes a Sony a7R Mark V with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. An essential addition here is his use of an H&Y Revo Ring VND-CPL filter. Alejandrino explains how the variable ND filter lets him shoot at wide apertures, like f/2.8, even in bright environments, creating a softer, blurred background that doesn’t compete with the subject. The ability to lock the CPL function makes it flexible and adaptable, especially in changing light conditions.
Alejandrino also highlights the importance of observing ambient light direction, adjusting his subject’s position and the flash to match. His wife, Coco, serves as the model, and he shows how he pays attention to her preferred angles and positioning. He observes the ambient light and aligns his artificial light source to complement it, making the final lighting look cohesive and natural. Alejandrino’s setup is highly adaptable to different angles and positions, demonstrating how to move with your subject while keeping light consistent. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
