Polarizing or Neutral Density

[KUlmer]

This is my first summer with my D5000. While I normally love the extra hours of daylight, I'm learning to hate the sun when I'm taking pictures. We'll go months without a truly overcast day during the summer. So, here is my picture:



Nikon D5000
f 2.5, ISO 200
1/4000 sec

I took some pictures of some friends daughters as part of their Fathers Day presents this year. They were very last minute, so we didn't have much play when it came to scheduling. I did get some in part shade that worked out great, but I'm frustrated with how blown out the ones in this location looked at only 9 am! The shadows I can deal with later. For now, I am hoping there is a way to avoid what I consider blown out highlights. Looking around I think either a neutral density filter or a circular polarizing filter will work the best for blocking out sun without having to change my aperature too much, but am wondering which one would work best in these types of situations. Any advice would be appreciated!

[BigVinnie]

I'm not a fan of polarizers for people photography.

Skin has a reflectance that is cut by a polarizer. It can make people look more mannequin like.

I'm not real up on Nikon but I think a flash like an SB-800 will allow you to do a high speed sync. This particular shot with an umbrella up close with flash would allow you to light your subject and drop the sky down a bit.

Another option is to get one of those 5-in-1 reflectors, the bigger the better and use the diffuser. Have someone hold it between the sun and your subject. Works like a big old soft box. Really knocks down the harsh shadows.

Even direct flash off to the side would work. Position the sun behind and to one side and use flash back toward the sun. Gives a cross light that usually works pretty good. Make sure you shade your lens.

If budget is really tight make a frame with some PVC pipe and clip a white bed sheet to it. Makes a great diffuser for harsh sunlight.

[OsmosisStudios]

Nope, that's simply too much light
1/4000 @ f/2.5, 200iso? You cant adjust the shutterspeed any higher, or the ISO any lower. Unless you closed down the aperture, you're out of luck.

A neutral density filter will help you bring the light levels down. A simple 3 stop will give you plenty of room.

A reflector will help even out the shadows, but at this point youve simply got too much light.