Hints on Outdoor Portrait Photography
Outdoor portrait photography is governed by a set of techniques that are based off a concept called basic daylight exposure (BDE). The placement of your subject in relation to a source of light plays a major role in how the portrait will turn out. Once you have gained an understanding about these basic rules, you will be able to photograph a subject in just about any outdoor setting with professional quality and without sacrificing creativity.
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Basic Daylight Exposure (BDE)
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Also known as the sunny 16, BDE is the method you will use to determine the right exposure and shutter speed of the photograph you wish to take. It is based on the brightness of light during the clear, mid-day sun and is the standard for every camera. Experiment with this by going outside on a sunny day around noon with your camera. If you are using 125 ISO or film speed then you will set for 1/125 shutter speed at f/16 aperture. A film speed or ISO of 200 is averaged to 1/250 at an aperture setting of f/16 etc. If it gets cloudy, you will use the same method except you will open the f/stop up two steps. To open the aperture, you lower the f/stop number. This is called an equivalent exposure and you will use this method to properly expose your photographs in any kind of outdoor light. Use the BDE chart in the resource section to get a better idea.
Light from the Front
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The most basic way to light an outdoor subject in a portrait is by front lighting. This is done by having your subject facing you directly with the sun behind you -- the photographer. It will light your subject's face very well but may lack in definition do to the lack of shadow. Another problem that you may face is the need for your subject to squint her eyes in order to block the sun. One way you can get around this is to have your subject close her eyes and then count to three. On three, have her open her eyes and then quickly take the photograph.
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Light from the Side
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If bringing out the depth of your subject is your goal, then side lighting is the key. This is done by having your subject turned at an angle from the major source of light. Side lighting will help bring out the shadows and wrinkles of your subject and will produce more depth in your photograph.
Light from the Back
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Back lighting is used to bring out a glowing effect on your subject. Position your subject so that the major source of light is behind him. Be sure to use the right exposure to avoid silhouetting your subject unless that is your intention. You can use back lighting to enhance the glow and outline of your subject's hair. Back lighting can also result in too much shadow and loss of detail, however; consider using a reflector or flash to fill in some of the shadows.
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References
- Photoinf.com: Photographic Lighting
- Digital Photography School: Moving Toward Manual Settings: Understanding Basic Daylight Exposure and Equivalent Exposure Read more: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/moving-toward-manual-settings-understanding-basic-daylight-exposure-and-equivelant-exposure#ixzz1BcXuXT3Z
Resources
- Photo Credit fashion photography image by Randy McKown from Fotolia.com
