When shooting portraits outside, a number of factors need to be taken into consideration. One of the big things I’ve mentioned before is sunlight. If it’s too bright, it can cause shadows on your friend’s face, and the picture will look awful.
By scheduling your photo shoots either early or late in the day (tip # 10), or by placing your friend under a tree or beside a building (tip # 11), you can reduce the risk of this happening. But what happens if you don’t have that option (as was the case here). It was cloudy when we started, but then the sun came out, casting shadows where I didn’t want them, including on my model’s face.
The solution? By redirecting the sunlight into the shadowy areas of the face with the reflector (tip # 12), I was able to soften the contrast between the areas touched directly by the sunlight verses those in the shadow. Definitely more flattering. This technique is used often in fashion photography. Of course, you’ll need an assistant to help you, which is exactly what fashion photographers do. You’d be amazed what goes on behind the scene to achieve those pictures you see in magazines.
Remember, the reflector doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A white poster board will work. All your friend needs to do is move it around until it catches the light and bounces it where you want it on your model. It’s really easy.
Of course, there are times when the direct contrast works really well. But that depends on the look you’re striving for, the angle and placement of the sun, and how your friend is posed. Check out ideas in fashion magazines (especially ones like Vogue) and see if you can replicate the look. Study the shadows in the picture to figure out the placement and angle of the sun, then experiment with a flashlight to see if you can replicate the same look with the shadows. This will guide you in reproducing the desired shot once you’re outside.