Sunny Day?

[SJCT]

Bit of a newbie question here; I'm starting to get the hang of using an external flash for low-light indoor shots (bouncing off a wall, etc..) but I'm having trouble with outdoor portrait shots, especially on a bright, sunny day. I end up with all kinds of shadows on my subjects' faces. I understand that there are reflectors that can be used but what do you use when it's just you (no assistant to hold a reflector, etc...)?

[AdrenoJunkie]

Stick em in the shade or invest a light/reflector stand and a sandbag. You could also try using your flash on-camera for fill but instead of aiming it directly at them turn it at an angle to them so they aren't being hit by all of it directly. I'd use some kinda dome diffuser or something also. I haven't tried that, it's just something I read about recently.

[BigFuzzy]

Yeah, what Adreno said. Open shade is your friend. Or, preferably, don't shoot in middle of day harsh light. Look up "golden hour" if you're not familiar with the concept already.

Bright sunlight, unless in open shade, is never considered a good idea so avoid if at all possible.

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

also, a trick that i use occasionally is using a sto-fen diffuser box, and directing it straight up 90*. but the light should com through the bottom side of the box, giving you just enough light. its an odd trick, but it does work.

[JFSanders]

Lastolight diffuser panel. Can be found up to 8x8 square. Make sure you use sandbags on the stands or be prepared to chase the thing all over hell's half acre.

Creative lighting system blog

Jim

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by ElCapitanoAwesomo

also, a trick that i use occasionally is using a sto-fen diffuser box, and directing it straight up 90*. but the light should com through the bottom side of the box, giving you just enough light. its an odd trick, but it does work.

Maybe I'm missing something, but if you're doing this outdoors why not just keep the flash directed at the subject and dial FEC down 2 or 3 stops instead?

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

Originally Posted by Rentham

Maybe I'm missing something, but if you're doing this outdoors why not just keep the flash directed at the subject and dial FEC down 2 or 3 stops instead?

i dont know, whenever i direct flash, even with a diffusing box, i always get really crappy light. the kind the pop up flash gives, but way more extreme. my pops dragged me to this photo class,a d i talked to the instructor afterwards about the issue, and she said that the trick i suggested works.

[JFSanders]

Side flash and dropping the FEC is pretty much accomplishing the same thing. Reducing the amount of light hitting the subject. Dropping the FEC is the proper way to do it and moving the flash away from the subject will work but it takes more fiddling to get there.

Jim

[SJCT]

Thanks for the advice everyone. This site is awesome!