Kelly's post reminded me that I had some questions to ask. Last weekend was beautiful here so we went to the park to take some pictures. Most had the sun in her eyes, my eyes(as I was taking the pictures), or shadows. What is the best time of day to take pictures outside? Where should the sun be? Any other tips?
I have been known to take pictures all times of the day outside. I think just what you have to watch for is making sure it is an area with no so much sun and shadows. Not sure that really even helps you, maybe just watch your positioning and where you shoot pictures at.
You're actually going to get the best pictures on an overcast day. Dawn and dusk have fabulous lighting.
If you're shooting on a sunny day it's best to have the sun at your back. You may also need to use your flash in bright conditions as well. You can usually adjust your white balance for sun too.
Thanks Sara and Stacey. I guess I don't play with my camera enough. It has a bunch of options that I have no idea what to do with. With the picture below I wanted to shot her from the front but the sun was in her eyes. I didn't notice the shadows until I loaded them.
You're actually going to get the best pictures on an overcast day. Dawn and dusk have fabulous lighting.
If you're shooting on a sunny day it's best to have the sun at your back. You may also need to use your flash in bright conditions as well. You can usually adjust your white balance for sun too.
Re the red, this is actually not the case. Yes, you won't have the sun to deal with, but what happens is since the since is still there, it will cause deep shadows under the eyes (raccoon eyes).
Think about the placement of the lights when you go into a studio, now think about when the sun is in a similar placement. Those times of day are early morning (you will get cooler light) and late afternoon, an hour or so before the sun sets (warmer light).
Also, use the shade during the day (esp if you HAVE to shoot suring the high afternoon sun. You can get some good photos in high sun, with the sun behind them, and you don't need a flash, but the settings have to be adjusted for the person, not the overall exposure. I can post an example if you want to.
Also, you use things like driveways, walkways to bounce light back into the face...so, if you place them in a shadow, it should be at the edge of the shadow looking towards the driveway so the light will bounce up and fill shadows in the face (does that even make sense? I can post a drawing if not).
Hope that helps. LMK if you have any other questions...
Thanks Sara and Stacey. I guess I don't play with my camera enough. It has a bunch of options that I have no idea what to do with. With the picture below I wanted to shot her from the front but the sun was in her eyes. I didn't notice the shadows until I loaded them.
The sun is pretty harsh here. I would have spun her around and had her look away from the sun if you really wanted to get this shot...even when I spin my oldest, she will still squint because she has blue eyes that are sensitive to the light. What kind of camera do you have? Do you adjust the settings yourself? I can give you some tips if you do...if you don't, then you are going to have to force the flash, otherwise you will never get a well exposed shot.
Thanks Mally. I have a Nikon coolpix. It's about 4 years old. It is on automatic flash. I have 5 flash settings(automatic, red eye, off, on). The fifth one is a flash symbol with a box with a person and a star in it. I have no idea what that one is. I need to find my manual.
Thanks Mally. I have a Nikon coolpix. It's about 4 years old. It is on automatic flash. I have 5 flash settings(automatic, red eye, off, on). The fifth one is a flash symbol with a box with a person and a star in it. I have no idea what that one is. I need to find my manual.
To fill the shadows on her face, you will need to add the flash. When you put the camera on automatic, what it does is assess the average light. Because the sun was so harsh, it's actually going to give you LESS light on her, and underexpose her. You need to override the automatic settings in cases like these. The camera is just not smart enough. But, ultimately, the lighting here is not ideal. You really need it to her back, and even then, you will probably have her squinting. Harsh sunlight is so hard. Often, photogs use a scrim over their head to block some of the light to ease the harshness.
Google the coolpix number and I'm sure you will find the manual online.
Thanks Mally. I have a Nikon coolpix. It's about 4 years old. It is on automatic flash. I have 5 flash settings(automatic, red eye, off, on). The fifth one is a flash symbol with a box with a person and a star in it. I have no idea what that one is. I need to find my manual.
To fill the shadows on her face, you will need to add the flash. When you put the camera on automatic, what it does is assess the average light. Because the sun was so harsh, it's actually going to give you LESS light on her, and underexpose her. You need to override the automatic settings in cases like these. The camera is just not smart enough. But, ultimately, the lighting here is not ideal. You really need it to her back, and even then, you will probably have her squinting. Harsh sunlight is so hard. Often, photogs use a scrim over their head to block some of the light to ease the harshness.
Google the coolpix number and I'm sure you will find the manual online.
Thanks. I had no idea that I needed a flash for that. I think I need to play around with it using Stephen since he is more cooperative then Raven.
Thanks Mally. I have a Nikon coolpix. It's about 4 years old. It is on automatic flash. I have 5 flash settings(automatic, red eye, off, on). The fifth one is a flash symbol with a box with a person and a star in it. I have no idea what that one is. I need to find my manual.
To fill the shadows on her face, you will need to add the flash. When you put the camera on automatic, what it does is assess the average light. Because the sun was so harsh, it's actually going to give you LESS light on her, and underexpose her. You need to override the automatic settings in cases like these. The camera is just not smart enough. But, ultimately, the lighting here is not ideal. You really need it to her back, and even then, you will probably have her squinting. Harsh sunlight is so hard. Often, photogs use a scrim over their head to block some of the light to ease the harshness.
Google the coolpix number and I'm sure you will find the manual online.
Thanks. I had no idea that I needed a flash for that. I think I need to play around with it using Stephen since he is more cooperative then Raven.
You can also use a baby doll. It will allow you to see the shadows, move it in different spots, etc... to see the difference, then just delete the photos
have you tried taking the pictures with the no flash option?
what setting did you have it on for that one?
I agree Sara. That's the only way in that kind of lighting.
love the baby doll tip. Maybe take a few pictures like that with the no flash.
yeah, i use flash sometimes outside but very rarely. i am no where near as pro as you are with it though. so i appreciate and will use some of these tips.
have you tried taking the pictures with the no flash option?
what setting did you have it on for that one?
I agree Sara. That's the only way in that kind of lighting.
love the baby doll tip. Maybe take a few pictures like that with the no flash.
yeah, i use flash sometimes outside but very rarely. i am no where near as pro as you are with it though. so i appreciate and will use some of these tips.
The doll doesn't run away or move so it'a a great way to be able to take two identical shots with different settings, esp if you are playing with manual modes.
so it'a a great way to be able to take two identical shots with different settings, esp if you are playing with manual modes. 
