Cloudy day flat lighting?

[WingsOfLovePhoto]

I was taking some FREE family portraiture yesterday outside on a very overcast day. Big softbox in the sky. I have been trying natural light photos more outside and have been doing well with my dog and flowers but people? ugh.... This is an example of my efforts. I ended up addiing a little fill which after the fact now I see that I could have gotten away without it but are there any techniques for avoiding the super flat lighting on a cloudy day? (there was no time to get out my softbox for off cameral flash) What do you think of this picture (other than the distracting elements in the background, I will be getting rid of those....) Thanks for looking :bow

http://wingsoflove.smugmug.com/photos/532763400_V2zZ3-L.jpg

[whiterice]

The eyes are stunning....and I really like the texture of her hair.

The dress is a bit blown which would usually pull your eyes away from the subject, but the eyes are so stunning that I didn't immediately notice the dress. The muted selective coloring works here. :thumb

My non-expert eyes see no flatness in this photo.

[rustic]

Certainly no expert here either, but I feel like the lack of color on her face might add to the flatness.

I have to admit that I'm not a fan of selective coloring here, I think I'd go for either full bw or full color, or maybe a faint sephia look. The colors of the flower and bow contrasted with the smooth and pale face just don't work for me.

Super cute shot though, and I actually like the background!

[rhondavid]

Precious child with great exppession. Gorgeous eyes. Like others it does seem a little flat in terms of color and exposure.

[Flyinggina]

What a cutie!! The eyes are just gorgeous.

I like the treatment overall and am not bothered by the bits of pink.

My thoughts, assuming you want to experiment - to be taken with a big grain of salt.

To give the face more pop, try using a selective color layer and adjust the black slider in blacks and neutrals to add contrast to taste.

As for the bright dress, a slight darkening of the bottom of the photo might help balance the photo and keep the viewer's eyes on the face (a sort of limited vingnette).

Also, just a touch of sepia would enhance vintage feel and suggest that the soft pinks are the last of the colors to withstand aging.

Or just leave it be. It is a lovely photo and a testament to the joys of using natures giant softbox!

Virginia

[Mitchell]

I like the lighting here. Soft, overcast lighting like this is very flattering to children.

You may want to experiment with adding a light layer on "Multiply" which will give you some more "texture" to the skin.

[Tee Why]

Agree with you. I hate the flat boring light of overcast days. Usually messes up the AWB and the colors are tough to get right to make them pop. Some like it b/c there is no harshness in the lighting, I don't.

I think your shot looks fine.