Using natural light in your photography can be a quick and easy way to create portrait shots without having to worry about flashing lights, light stands and dimmers. . In this video, photographer Anita Sadowska takes us on a swimwear shoot at a location in NYC that has floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light.
For the first look, the model is illuminated by direct sunlight. This can be a complicated situation as most people cannot open their eyes if the sun is in their field of vision. Anita’s model doesn’t mind this, and she is able to create some great images in direct sunlight. If you find yourself shooting in harsh sunlight, you may want to use dim reflection to soften the shadow on the model’s face. Instead of mounting the reflector on a light stand, you may find it easier to have your assistant hold the reflector between the sun and the model to diffuse the hard light. If the model is sensitive to bright sunlight, the use of a reflector will allow the model to open her eyes freely and that will enable the model to capture a variety of expressions where the model looks comfortable .
It’s important to note that you want to reduce shadows from direct sunlight because you have no control over where the shadows fall. If shadows make the model’s eyes appear hollow and sunken, then shadows may not be in your favor. On the contrary, if you take a photo in the studio and use beautification to create shadows that increase the model’s cheekbones, the shadow will not be objectionable. When shooting outdoors with the sun shining directly overhead, the most sensible way to control shadows is to use a translucent reflector over the model’s head to remove virtually all of the shadows from the final image. Watch the video for Anita’s method of shooting in direct sunlight.
