Conquering Midday Light
Direct sunlight for portraits is typically harsh and unflattering, full of dark shadows and bright highlights. Fashion photographer Lindsay Adler takes on the midday sun at Central Park, where she teaches you how to take control of the light. You’ll review tips to get out of the direct sunlight as well as ways to use diffusers and reflectors (including natural reflectors) to conquer the harsh light and still get beautiful portraits. <br> <br> This class is perfect for anyone needing tips on how to conquer harsh sunlight for portraits.
Release Date: 2012-10-31
Lessons
Introduction
Lindsay introduces the concepts covered in this class and discusses her go-to gear.
Duration: 8 mins 54 seconds
Get in the Shade
The first strategy for conquering midday light is to look for available shade and get your subjects into it.
Duration: 9 mins 58 seconds
Not All Shade is Created Equally
Full shade is great, but dappled shade presents real challenges. This is where having a diffuser to create even shade can save the day.
Duration: 9 mins 47 seconds
Look for Natural Reflectors
Your environment may provide natural reflectors in the form of a white wall, an expanse of concrete, or some other neutral colored subject getting hit with direct sunlight.
Duration: 6 mins 46 seconds
Pose the Subject to Work with the Harsh Light
Another strategy is to try to work with the light by posing your subject in ways that can take advantage of the high contrast situation.
Duration: 12 mins 12 seconds
Create Your Own Shade
Sometimes something as simple as a piece of foam core can create just the right amount of shade to get the shot.
Duration: 6 mins 12 seconds
Use a Large Diffuser
There are a few solutions out there for large diffusion materials, from giant shoot-through parabolic umbrellas to a variety of scrims that range in size and light cutting amount.
Duration: 7 mins 54 seconds