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04/19/2007 10:39:06 PM · #1 |
| I just got my DSLR (D50) a few months ago, so I am still learning all the settings that differed from my point and shoot. I am photographing my kid and his girlfriend before a prom type event in an outdoor location and I need some advice on camera settings, to flash or not to flash, and anything else anyone can think of. I have a SB600 flash, the weather will be overcast/sunny and I will be taking the photos about 3 hours before sunset, 5pm. I'm pretty novice at portraiture, so any advice is appreciated. |
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04/19/2007 10:44:02 PM · #2 |
wow, that is a good time. the idea is you want to photograph them in open shade. I would use the full manual option and learn how to use it before that day if you don't now. think like you looking for an awning type lighting effect. that is you want to block all the light coming in on the subject accept for one side, thus giving direction to the light. like when you stand under and awning the building is blocking one side, the awning the light coming from straight above. the shade of a large tree works well too. if you can control it try to block the side that the sun is coming from so you have open sky as a light source
hope this helps
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04/19/2007 11:23:18 PM · #3 |
From the way you phrased your question it sounds like you don't know much more than how to turn on the camera.
There is too much you need to learn!
Kipp has the right idea - get them in the shade, but NOT dappled shade like some trees give or you'll get shadows on their faces mixed with sun.
Things you need to consider/know/learn/decide on...
-posing - how to position them to make them look their best, show the dress, hide and 'flaws', flatter her figure, etc.
-background - what's behind them? How's it lit? If it's in full sun, the neighbor's trash cans, etc then you need to know how do deal with those situations. Lens choice, focal length, aperture all are factors to consider. Flash can help with the overly bright background, but on camera or not? If you get things too bright, then you limit your choice of aperture, and blurring the distracting backbut ground.
-lighting - the shade bit is rather universal and a good place to start. Now do you want or need to reflect in some light, fill flash for some catchlights, more than that, or as a main light?
-framing of the shot - centered or not, full body or not, or ?? Some of each is the best.
Read your flash and camera manual - best bet is Av mode with the SB set up for fill flash, about a stop under so it's subtle, WB will be tricky as flash is daylight and you are outdoors so that's the logical choice, but shade and cloudy (your overcast day) are different from sunny and from eachother, a bit cooler (too blue). Best to shoot RAW and use a target for the first shot and you can custom WB later.
You thought this was gonna be easy, huh? LOL
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04/20/2007 01:50:19 AM · #4 |
well i shoot in only raw so WB is not an issue, we will be at a beautiful location, if you look at my portfolio I think you would see I understand the basics about composition, etc.. I am only asking about tips for outdoor portraits.. should I use a lower A (f/22) with the flash to get all the details while in the shade, low iso number, etc.. I guess I could just try everything and see what works later.. thanks.
example: NOT dappled shade like some trees give or you'll get shadows on their faces mixed with sun. THAT WAS A GOOD SUGGESTION :)
Message edited by author 2007-04-20 01:51:38. |
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04/20/2007 02:23:53 AM · #5 |
first of all, if you use your flash, I would use if in a remote mode. Have someone hold it off to the side. On camera looks nasty. almost 100% of the time.
If you want your subjects to pop from the light from the flash, underexpose your background by about a stop. This will help you get a more saturated sky as well.
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