Working With Shadows

[tknapp84]

I've been taking a few outside photos (isn't it beautiful in fall??? =) ) and I'm having a big problem with shadows.I know it's a newbie thing, but it's driving me crazy. Some pictures turn out pretty good and then in others half or more of the person's face is under a shadow. How do I prevent this? What do I watch for so that I can avoid shots being ruined by shadows?

I attached a picture as an example.

and as a side note, I am not a professional photographer... just a person who really loves photography and who would like to learn more.

Thanks for any information that would help. I'm doing more pictures this upcomming week and I'm really worried about messing them up.


(EXIF Data)

Exif data
Camera Nikon D3100
Exposure 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture f/4.8
Focal Length 32 mm
Focal Length 31.7 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Auto, Did not fire

[dmann]

Nice Picture. What time of day are you taking the pictures? If you are taking them around 2, its too harsh of a light and produces shadows. Try earlier in the day like around 10 or later in the day like supper time. I am a newbie too so take this with a grain of salt.

Good Luck!

[tknapp84]

you're just about spot on. It was about 1 p.m. You're probably right. Originally I was aiming for an 11 am shoot but, things got delayed. So, basically later in the afternoon would provide less harsh shadows? The sun was very bright. There's alot of photos where they have their eyes half closed because the sun was so bright. Thanks for the info! I'll remember that when arranging a time.

[pwkicker97]

In addition to trying to hit closer to the "golden hours" you can also look into buying a reflector or an external flash for some fill light. It can be tough to get used to, but it is well worth it.

[JFSanders]

See those trees in the background casting shadows on the ground? Go back there and find the open shade in the trees. Be careful of putting dappled light on your subjects face as it doesn't look good. But once in the shade of the tree you can use your reflector (piece of white poster board works) to shine a "fill" light on their face to even the shadows or produce the Rembrandt effect or some other flattering shadow pattern.

Jim

[TheMoons678]

Reflector for under $20.
Amazon.com: 43" 110CM 5 in 1 Round Portable Collapsible Multi Disc Light Photographic Lighting Reflector for Studio or any Photography Situation (Translucent, Silver, Gold, White, and Black): Camera & Photo