Outdoor Lighting

[Jsqrd34]

I am a beginner and I am not using the best camera available. I am working on getting a good camera. Anyway, my question is this. I am currently doing outdoor photography and I had a photographer tell me that my lighting is off. I have areas in the photograph that are "blown out". How can I fix this?

[Remi Daigle]

Without knowing what kind of camera your using and what you're photographing it's hard to give specific advice...
-but avoid shooting midday in bright sun if at all possible, as often it's 'too much light' and doesn't leave interesting shadows.
- having 'blown out' spots means that some areas of your picture are too exposed and appear bright white leaving no details, you could shorten your exposure time or close down your apeture a little (if you can?)
Hope this helps?
Cheers,
Remi

[Jsqrd34]

Originally Posted by Remi Daigle

Without knowing what kind of camera your using and what you're photographing it's hard to give specific advice...
-but avoid shooting midday in bright sun if at all possible, as often it's 'too much light' and doesn't leave interesting shadows.
- having 'blown out' spots means that some areas of your picture are too exposed and appear bright white leaving no details, you could shorten your exposure time or close down your apeture a little (if you can?)
Hope this helps?
Cheers,
Remi

Thanks for the info! I will try that.

[chill_apple]

If it is mid-day for whatever the reason, try to find some trees, maybe behind a wall, something that is going to provide good shadow. Good luck.

[beley]

If it's too bright outside, move to the shade. Get something reflective to get more light on your subject's face and reduce shadows. I have a foam core board (white) that you can get at Staples or Wal Mart for a few bucks. It makes for a great reflector.

Use it to redirect some light back on your subject's face and you'll get a great shot with just enough light in the shade.

[Liz Caldwell]

You can also get a couple of car window reflect-y shades... use one to block the overhead sun light, and if needed the other to bounce the light where you need it

[Jsqrd34]

Awesome. That is a great and inexpensive way to do that. Thanks for the info guys!!