Worried About Shoots in Full Afternoon Sun

[mshockley]

I'm just in from a shoot, lovely day here, got to around 50, and for the most part a bit "overcast" with some full sun moments.

It got me thinking about the big-time sun that's headed our way as we move into summer. It's my nature to start worrying about something like this early, so I can figure it out before, oh let's see, the morning of a shoot that's scheduled for 2pm and it's 85 with full on sun!

Last year my business was just getting off the ground, and I was able to schedule my shoots for early AM or Late, late Afternoon. This summer that will not be feasible. I know I will end up having shoots in blasting sunshine. I'm wondering what everyone does/tricks of the trade that you've used to help counterbalance some of the light? Consider what you would use if you were working alone without an assistant? What about filters? I would like to do everything I can to get it right in camera.

Thanks!

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by mshockley

I'm just in from a shoot, lovely day here, got to around 50, and for the most part a bit "overcast" with some full sun moments.

It got me thinking about the big-time sun that's headed our way as we move into summer. It's my nature to start worrying about something like this early, so I can figure it out before, oh let's see, the morning of a shoot that's scheduled for 2pm and it's 85 with full on sun!

Last year my business was just getting off the ground, and I was able to schedule my shoots for early AM or Late, late Afternoon. This summer that will not be feasible. I know I will end up having shoots in blasting sunshine. I'm wondering what everyone does/tricks of the trade that you've used to help counterbalance some of the light? Consider what you would use if you were working alone without an assistant? What about filters? I would like to do everything I can to get it right in camera.

Thanks!

1. Find areas of open shade.
2. Keep the sun out of your subjects' eyes by putting it behind them and using flash to over power the ambient light.
3. Use gobos, flags, etc to block and control the light. You can get big white panels to put up around / over your subject to diffuse the light.

[zona5101]

Ditto what Jim says.
I have one of those 5in one reflectors...the center most reflector is translucent. It is perfect for cutting the harsh sun. Need an assistant to hold it or a counter-weighted stand and arm...

[scootermcq]

I took this one yesterday while I was playing around. The speedlight is on camera, so it is not my idea of a portrait, just a vacation snap. Look at the shadow off my kid. You can see it is very specular and bright. This is simply overpowering the sun with a speedlight like Jim suggested. Sun to the back and lots of speedlight.

[funcrunch]

I had exactly this challenge on a shoot this weekend. I brought along a Speedlite but I really should have had a reflector as well. Also, the subject wore those photogray glasses that turn dark automatically in the sun (mine do too), and didn't have another pair, and didn't really want to be photographed without them, and I didn't blame him as that's not his look. All lessons learned for next time...

ETA: I also had a 4-stop ND filter for one of my lenses, which helped somewhat.

[mshockley]

Okay, thanks everyone! I've got my speedlight with me always, and I'm thinking I will invest in a big 5in1 reflector and a stand. I usually do try to work in open shade, but I just hate the idea of having to plan my shoot around shade, and it never fails, a shot or location I want of course is not in the shade.

[nickbedford]

Mixing available light + flash mastery = you can do anything.

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by nickbedford

Mixing available light + flash mastery = you can do anything.

I will work on it!

[JFSanders]

How do you feel about shooting with your subject holding a umbrella???

The translucent GOBOs are the best for scattering the harsh sun. Or if you are doing full length and it isn't long enough you can use a shower curtain on a pole setup.

[megkunert]

Michelle, I am so sorry to jack your thread, but I am really curious (as someone who only has only used natural light) how you can use flash to overpower the sun to get the effect mentioned above.

For someone who has never worked with flash before, can anyone recommend any good resources/articles/books for starting out?
I went out this past weekend when it was ridiculously bright with nothing but my camera and an ND filter, and I got pwned.
I'm looking to purchase an SB600, but in the meantime only have in camera flash.

(this is a great idea, btw. sorry again to hijack your post. don't hurt me!)