Bright, harsh sunlight sitting far overhead is the bane of many portrait photographers' existences, but it is not impossible to create compelling portraits with flattering light in such conditions. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to take bright sunlight and harness it for worthwhile images.
Coming to you from Keydrin Franklin with B&H Photo and Video, this great video tutorial will show you how to take better portraits in bright sunlight. The problem with midday sun is that it generally creates very hard light with unflattering shadows and overemphasis on skin texture. You can sometimes use this to creative effect, but for most client portraits, you will want to use soft light of some sort. While the classic 5-in-1 reflector is typically used as, well, a reflector, most of them have a diffusion panel built in, and they are fantastic for such situations. Adding a bit of artificial light is also a useful option, depending on the conditions and your preferences. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Franklin.
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!"
Pretty good advice but that setup is about $800-1000?
+1-2 assistants to hold everything in place.
PS: I wouldn’t trust a photographer setting up their softbox across the road from their subject…
I don't think he actually used the flash from that position. He just had it there out of the way while he demonstrated natural light with and without a scrim. Then moved the light in to an appropriate position when using it.
Are you including the light and octabox in that quote or just the scrim? There are cheaper scrim options out there FYI.