Balancing natural light with flash can be tricky, especially in outdoor settings. Bright sunlight often causes squinting, and shadows may not fall in the most flattering ways. Learning to use a mix of both light sources effectively can elevate your outdoor portraits, making the subject comfortable while still achieving the desired look.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this helpful video demonstrates how to overcome harsh lighting when shooting outdoors. Alejandrino starts by explaining a common issue: subjects squinting when facing direct sunlight. One quick fix he suggests is having the subject close their eyes, then open them just before the shot is taken. This simple technique reduces discomfort, and it works well if you still want to use the available natural light.
Alejandrino then takes the setup further by incorporating flash to enhance control over the lighting. He demonstrates how placing the flash in the right position allows you to flag off harsh sunlight and replace it with softer, more manageable artificial light. By adjusting the flash power and angling it correctly, Alejandrino effectively replaces the sunlight while creating a natural-looking light source. This prevents the subject from squinting and adds flexibility to how the light shapes the shot.
One of the key takeaways from this session is the importance of positioning the light. Alejandrino adjusts the flash several times, ensuring the subject’s face is evenly lit without overpowering the scene. He highlights how using a flash as a secondary light source can help balance the shot, even when shooting in bright conditions. 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!"
