I've got alot on my mind tonight, so I'm going to use this unusal down time to spill it. I shoot lots of portraits. And I shoot 'almost' exclusively outdoors. I will do indoor shoots, but I definitely favor the Great Outdoors.
One reason is I have never been in love with "posed" portraits. In an indoor/studio setting, there's really only so much you can do. Another thing I'm not a big fan of? Props. Now, I do use them when the time is right. Children's holiday portraits for example. But I like just a good, natural setting. I photograph a lot of children, and to me, it is so much easier on them when they don't feel pressured to necessarily "be still". Being outdoors gives you the freedom to let them roam, and for you to capture great images of them in their natural, playful element. Their personalities really come alive. That's what I love to see. "Candid Portraits" is what I tend to call them. :) This, in turn, makes things easier on me as well, when kids feel comfortable and think they're just playing. This approach makes for some great shots. I of course do need to do some posed shots from time to time as well, especially of groups or families. But I only do that when it's necessary.
Another reason is lighting. I love the natural lighting. Makes life so much easier. But, sometimes along comes a problem. The SUN. And this, my friends, is why I LOVE CLOUDS! I can't tell you how many times before a shoot people have worried about the fact that it wasn't "sunny" or that it was overcast. Then I get to explain that when taking pictures, the sun is not my friend, and the cloudiness is a great thing! (The sun not being my friend is another whole topic in itself). If I have a shoot and I'm blessed with an overcast day, then it's a good day! Now, if we do have a sunny day on our hands, my "prime" shooting time is 6:30-8:00 pm. This sun is going down and it makes for the perfect time of day for proper lighting.
Since I love shooting outdoor portraits, I've compiled some of my personal favorite things to remember, and hopefully they might help you too...or maybe you might want to try them.
1) Always, always focus on the eyes. After all, they're the window to the soul! Nice, sharp focus on the eyes can really make your photo pop!
2) Use a wide aperture, since you don't need a big depth of field for portraits. By doing this, the lens bokeh will also soften the skin as well. If your lens is capable of shooting at f 2.8, f 3.5 or f 4, then use it! You want those wide aperture values with portraits so your focus is on the FACE - and you get the creamy smooth blurring background we call bokeh.
3) Shoot in the shade/avoid direct sunlight. Sun makes for squinting, shadows and funky white balance. If you shoot in the shade, you don't have to worry about the shadows, etc, and you colors will look rich and smooth.
4) If you have no choice but to shoot in bright light, at least try to control which direction it's aimed at. Reflectors work awesome too. Try to compose the shot to where the sun it at your back, not that of your subject.
Now, I better go get some rest. Busy busy photo shoot weekend ahead! Can't wait! <3
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