group portrait in the sun... - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/19/2008 11:52:13 AM · #1

My step daughter has her 8th grade graduation dance this Friday and they all want to go take pictures by a fountain in our town. Pictures would be at about 6 or so, and there isn't any shade by the fountain. What is the best way to get a good shot w/o glaring highlights, etc.?

ralph

Nikon Z9

05/19/2008 01:28:40 PM · #2

do you have a flash ?
if you have a sb800 or sb600 you can use the iTTL to fill flash / balence flash in bright sunlight ..
place the people backs to the sun /
be sure your camera is in flash is FP mode & the flash is in [TTL/BL/FP] mode
try a f/5.6 & 1/2000 and adjust accordingly ..

works rather well..

Message edited by author 2008-05-19 13:37:00.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

05/19/2008 02:55:29 PM · #3

The only trouble with that is .... how big is this graduating class? You may not have enough fire power in your flash to light them all. When you're competing against the sun your flash has to be fairly close to the subject so it works easily enough with one or two people. But if you're talking about a large group, your flash may not be enough. (and that would also mean that a reflector would be out of the question)

You can pray for cloud cover. :-)

Or just realize that if you're shooting against the sun that the background is going to be blown out. You could underexpose the people and lighten them in post. That would help save some of the BG details.

Message edited by author 2008-05-19 14:55:57.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/20/2008 10:05:57 AM · #4

The only flash I have is an SB-25 (or is it 28?), because I got it for free. Haven't had the dough to pick up a SB 800 yet.
Thanks for the info, I'll get it a dance!

togtog

Nikon D300

05/20/2008 10:15:32 AM · #5

Is HDR an option here?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/20/2008 10:53:56 AM · #6

sure its an option--I do shoot in RAW, but I haven't ever had good results w/ HDR and people.... it either makes my faces look like skeletor or they turn out incredibly noisy. Maybe I'll give it a try.

Mike_Adams

Canon EOS-40D

05/20/2008 11:21:39 AM · #7

Like Skeletor?? LOL that is the best description EVER!!