Shooting in harsh midday sunlight can be a challenge, but it’s a common situation you’ll encounter. Managing this light properly can dramatically improve your portraits.
Coming to you from Nathan ElsonThis educational video tackles the challenge of shooting in harsh midday sunlight. Elson shares his experiences and strategies for controlling natural light to create beautiful portraits. He begins by discussing a recent shoot in the Badlands of Alberta, where he tackled the challenging combination of extreme heat and harsh sunlight. His practical approach, including the use of a simple sheet, shows how you can effectively diffuse light without the need for specialized equipment.
Elson’s advice on combining natural elements like greenery with a desert backdrop adds depth to your photos. He demonstrates the importance of using available light creatively, showing how a little planning can create dramatic images. By positioning your assistant with raw clothElson achieves soft, diffused light that helps to highlight subject features and overall image quality. This technique is especially useful if you want to avoid carrying heavy equipment but still want professional results.
For the second set of photos, Elson changed the wardrobe and location, using the natural shadows and highlights of the environment to create depth. He explains how exposing for highlights and adjusting shadows in post-production can bring out details and enhance the overall look of the photo. This approach is practical and easy to follow, even if you’re new to photography or looking to improve your skills.
The final setup involves backlighting the subject during the harshest part of the day. Using strategic positioning and a thin cloth, Elson is able to soften the light and enhance the overall composition. This technique proves that with a little creativity and the right tools, you can turn difficult lighting conditions into an advantage, creating polished, professional portraits. Watch the video above for the full rundown from Elson.
If you want to continue learning about portrait lighting, be sure to check out “Face Lighting: Lighting for Portraits and Headshots With Peter Hurley!”
