How to fix this picture?

[bumpkin]

I took some pictures of my son today!!
Except it was very sunny
How do I fix this in an editing program
and how do I avoid the shadows next time??



1/200
F10
ISO 200
Focal length 52 mm
flash on
Nikon D3000

[Mikkimak]

I have just been learning some stuff about this. Although I am sure there are experts out there that have better answers, this is what I understand. You need to make sure that your camera meters that light on your son's face NOT the background. So you can either change your meter mode to "spot meter" OR shade the lens so that the sun does not shine into the lens. I am still learning, but have had a couple successful back lit pictures.

I also took a go at your photo in photoshop. (I hope that is okay). I used some layer masks to just brighten your son's face. He is very cute by the way.

[bumpkin]

Thanks)
I am still learning,and I have one of those leanses I should have used it
Thanks for your help)
Thanks for the edit)

[SusanH1970]

Unfortunately, this really can't be fixed effectively in post processing. You had really harsh light to work with. You're much better off either finding open shade to shoot in when it's bright and sunny, or to shoot much earlier (sunrise) or much later (about an hour or so before sunset), when the sun is much lower in the sky. Shooting on overcast days is ideal also, it's like a big softbox in the sky.

[NicoleScraps]

Probably if you used a fill flash on his face next time, that would help too.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

Probably if you used a fill flash on his face next time, that would help too.

The OP says they did use flash. Even with a higher output of flash, it still probably wouldn't work, as the harsh sunlight has completely blown out his head and the side of his face.

Just learning to "see" the light and how it hits your subject before you press the shutter is the best practice.

[easyrider]

You're not going to be able to bring up the skin tones to a much better spot without blowing out the left section of his face. If you want to take care of the shadows then shoot with the sun to your back. If you want to have the best possibilities in post-processing then shoot in raw.

[oldwolf]

Use a stronger flash (not the one on camera) and/or use a reflector to bounce the light back into his face.

Here's what I could do with some quick tweaking in LR. Click on it to get to a larger picture if you want to d/l it.

From DPS 2010