Avoiding light "spots" outdoors?

[audreylynn3]

I did a photo session outdoors last week, and they really wanted a certain place, which was under a tree with "spotty" light through the trees. I used my flash, aimed toward them at 45 degrees, but still ended up with this:



I did get several other family shots in other areas of the park, but is there anything I can do next time? And when I'm setting my exposure, where should I be setting it from - the shadows or the light?

Thanks in advance!

[SusanH1970]

You just need to find a place that's full open shade, not dappled light.

[i speak in math]

This one would have looked the same. There were spots all over her from the sun passing through a tree and some bushes. I had my assistant hold up a scrim between the sun and my subject. This lets a lot of light through, but evens out the spots of light. I got the background exposure where I liked it, then I filled her in with a shoot through umbrella camera left.



It was basically this, but held up by my assistant. Just white fabric stretched out that can diffuse the light.

52 in. 6-in-1 Kit Deluxe | Westcott Pro Photography and Video Lighting

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

It was basically this, but held up by my assistant. Just white fabric stretched out that can diffuse the light.

52 in. 6-in-1 Kit Deluxe | Westcott Pro Photography and Video Lighting

Oh that is so cool! I want it!

[audreylynn3]

I Speak In Math - Thank you so much! I'll have to look for something like that, I appreciate your help!

Susan - thank you too, if only it were always that easy!

[audreylynn3]

One more thing, I Speak In Math - just saw your blog (great photos!!) and we're practically neighbors! I'm in Bartlett, my husband grew up in Wheaton... what a small world.