Natural Light Outdoor Question - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/06/2011 01:19:27 PM · #1

Do the majority of photographers use a reflector and/or fill flash doing outdoor work? Or are they just using camera and finding shade, etc.??

What would you say?

kenskid

Nikon D700

04/06/2011 01:30:52 PM · #2

Yes to reflector and/or fill.

Originally posted by kgeary:

Do the majority of photographers use a reflector and/or fill flash doing outdoor work? Or are they just using camera and finding shade, etc.??

What would you say?

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/06/2011 02:01:14 PM · #3

I see some photographers saying they don't use fill or reflectors...and their portraits have really nice, creamy light. I'm wondering how they achieve that so consistently when natural light can be so inconsistent.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

04/06/2011 02:06:59 PM · #4

Originally posted by kgeary:

They have probably scouted locations that they know have open shade with appropriate background. It's actually not that hard to find locations that work well, but some locations will be AM locations, some mid-day locations, and some PM locations. Rarely will you find a location that works throughout the day.

ETA: I've seen a *lot* of really bad flash fill, but when done well you don't even notice it's there unless you know, and it can be a valuable tool. The tendency is for those inexperienced with it to overdo it.

Message edited by author 2011-04-06 14:20:34.

fotomann_forever

04/06/2011 02:17:04 PM · #5

I have at least one 300w/s strobe with me on outdoor shoots, especially my beach work.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

04/06/2011 02:51:58 PM · #6

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

I have at least one 300w/s strobe with me on outdoor shoots, especially my beach work.

Is that a little flash or are you using a bigger strobe with a battery pack?

MattO

Nikon D4

04/06/2011 02:59:58 PM · #7

Originally posted by kgeary:

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
I have at least one 300w/s strobe with me on outdoor shoots, especially my beach work.

Is that a little flash or are you using a bigger strobe with a battery pack?

most hot shoe flashes aren't rated in w/s so I would assume it is a regular strobe on a battery pack.

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

04/06/2011 03:16:21 PM · #8

Example:

Eve by LouiseKnight, on Flickr

How to get the background exposure correct while lighting the face so well?

I don't know if this used flash or reflector or not...but is this shot possible without either of those?

I'm trying to experiment more with natural light because I've ALWAYS used flash. Trying to change it up a little as an experiment.

Message edited by author 2011-04-06 15:16:49.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

04/06/2011 03:26:17 PM · #9

Some people use scrims to darken background. They are very similar to window screen material.

LVicari

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/06/2011 03:31:21 PM · #10

E background exposure isn't quite correct, it is a little overexposed if anything. I would say that the photog set the exposure for her face and let the background fall where it may. The positioning of the model with her back to the light is key. Also there definitely is pp work on this particular shot.
So exposure on both her and the background may have been adjusted.

Paul

Leica SL

Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical MF Wide Angle - Black

04/06/2011 03:37:14 PM · #11

It's amazing what you can achieve with something like Viveza(2) in such lighting situations too.

tholmir

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

04/06/2011 03:51:37 PM · #12

Originally posted by kgeary:

Example:

Eve by LouiseKnight, on Flickr

How to get the background exposure correct while lighting the face so well?

I don't know if this used flash or reflector or not...but is this shot possible without either of those?

I'm trying to experiment more with natural light because I've ALWAYS used flash. Trying to change it up a little as an experiment.

This could help:
//strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09/lighting-102-31-balance-flashsun.html

04/06/2011 04:12:13 PM · #13

Originally posted by tholmir:

Originally posted by kgeary:
Example:

Eve by LouiseKnight, on Flickr

How to get the background exposure correct while lighting the face so well?

I don't know if this used flash or reflector or not...but is this shot possible without either of those?

I'm trying to experiment more with natural light because I've ALWAYS used flash. Trying to change it up a little as an experiment.

This could help:
//strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09/lighting-102-31-balance-flashsun.html

I know how it's done with flash. I was wondering about if flash/fill is not available.