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View Full Version : Family Portrait Help - Outdoor Lighting


Mark1123
Sep-17-2009, 05:08 PM
I shot a family of 13 a couple of weeks ago. I suggested (more than once) that we do the shoot in the AM or early evening. They first agreed, but then ended up changing it to 11am. By the time they arrived, it was 11:30...sun directly above. There was no shade around and there was some major squinting in nearly every photo. They ended up selected a handful of photos and then asked if I could retake the pictures. I agreed and again suggested the times. The only time they can all get together is this Sunday at 7pm. I live in Northern KY, and the sun sets at 7:35 on that day.
My question is about lighting. With the sun down, what are some options? I have a Nikon D300 and an SB600 flash. There is no electricity available at the site. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Mark

Scott_Quier
Sep-18-2009, 02:29 AM
This sounds like a prime opportunity to get some shots against a sunset as a background. Exciting.

Face them away from the setting sun. Maybe rent a second flash. Have one some 45° off the camera - subject line as key and one on camera for fill. Gel both of them to better match the color of the setting sun (you'll need either an CTO (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=cto+sheet&N=0&InitialSearch=yes) or CTS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=cts+sheet&N=0&InitialSearch=yes) gel of about 1/4 to 1/2 density).

ShepsMom
Sep-19-2009, 08:13 PM
I'm in FL, so beach shooting is a given.
Everyone wants a sunset. I usually bring an umbrella or two with my flashes attached to them. I always meter for the skies to get correct exposure and use flashes as fill. You will get nice orange sunset on the background, and properly exposed people.

Mark1123
Sep-22-2009, 07:13 AM
Thank you. Looks like I'm going to need to invest in some umbrellas. Thanks for the tips.