Shoot in high light sun!

[almandin]

Hello everybody!
I’m new here.
So here is a random picture of a friend taken in strong sunlight.
(first time I photography after some training at home)

So my Question is how to shoot good pictures in strong sun!
The subject looks dark, what would improve the picture
What would make a picture like that to look better.
Any suggestions and critiques welcome
ty

Camera : canon 30d
lens : 17-40 L
aperture: f/4
ISO 200
shutter speed : don’t remember!

[Digidave]

First off, that is not all that bad. Using a flash to fill in(lighten) the shadows is the best option. If you have some kind of post-production software, try to find something called fill-flash. I know in my Nikon CaptureNX, it's called D-lighting. Sometimes it's just called Shadows & highlight adjustments. This will fix this picture but in the future, flash is your answer. It's something you definitely will have to practice at though. Hope this helps.

[almandin]

Originally Posted by Digidave

First off, that is not all that bad. Using a flash to fill in(lighten) the shadows is the best option. If you have some kind of post-production software, try to find something called fill-flash. I know in my Nikon CaptureNX, it's called D-lighting. Sometimes it's just called Shadows & highlight adjustments. This will fix this picture but in the future, flash is your answer. It's something you definitely will have to practice at though. Hope this helps.

I’ll take a look online for some software with light adjustment, to
see what I can do!
Ahh , I will use flash next time ! Tnx

[Saralonde]

Hi almandin! Like Digidave said, fill flash is a good idea for taking portraits in the sun. You can also use a reflector to light up your subjects face (a white t-shirt or a car windshield reflector can work in a pinch), move your subject into the shade if you can, or try using a filter on your lens.
I'm sure with a little post processing you can lighten up your friend's face a bit.

[Zane]

That's interesting, i wouldn't think to add flash out in the sunlight. Thanks.

[Digidave]

Originally Posted by Zane

That's interesting, i wouldn't think to add flash out in the sunlight. Thanks.

I'll admit, it's not something I do frequently. This is a perfect example of where it works well. I never think of using a reflector mainly because it's a pain to carry around & usually needs an assistant. It's a good idea though if you have someone to help you out.

[ilookalot]

read of a good idea the other day, try using your reflective sun shade from your car. Maybe your friend could hold it low and you could move in just a touch so as not to get it in the shot .Worth a try

[Major_Small]

One other thing to note for shots like these - reflections can become painfully obvious. It's not a terribly big deal in this shot, but it can become one if you don't stay aware of it. For example, you can see yourself in his sunglasses.