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Quick tips for photographing in harsh sunlight without flash or reflectors

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July 5, 2018 by Dunja Djudjic Leave a Comment

The golden hour is probably the time when most of us would choose to take photos. But, there will be times when you’ll be forced to shoot in a harsh midday sun, for one reason or the other. You can bring reflectors, strobes, or try to find or make a shade. But in this video, Manny Ortiz will give you some quick tips on how to embrace the direct sunlight and turn it into your advantage without any gear but your camera and lens.

Sure, the harsh afternoon sunlight is not a very flattering light, and many photographers will suggest that you can find a shadow or create it above the model’s face. However, this won’t always work for the composition and sometimes you just have to work with what you’ve got.

First of all, it’s all about positioning the face: have the model keep their chin up, towards the light. If there’s some shadow on the face, you don’t always have to fight it – embrace it instead, as it can add some drama and contrast to the shots.

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Hope everyone is having a great 4th of July. I’m just here editing like always and just dropped a new video on my YOUTUBE channel. Click the link in BIO to give it a watch! @damnthosesteaktacos #alphacollective #sonyalphaportrait

A post shared by Manny Ortiz (@mannyortiz) on Jul 4, 2018 at 1:57pm PDT

Try different angles: shoot from high, low, change perspective and give yourself plenty of options. This will give you some unique shots and more options in the post-production.

Have the model keep their eyes closed to avoid squinting. Also, if the person is sensitive to the sunlight, this will make them feel more comfortable. Count “3, 2, 1” and when the model opens their eyes, take the shot. Of course, your subject can also keep the eyes closed, depending on your idea for the photos.

Finally, always remember to always expose for the highlights on the model’s face. It’s always easier to lift the shadows a little bit than to recover the blown out highlights on the skin.

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When they think the game is over but I’m just letting them take a break. ___________________________________________ Everyday I reflect on the model I’m progressing to be; there is not set way to go about this. It’s not easy but if you continue to work on your craft, it can be. YOU as a model will see your own demise or rise. Only you can be your DOWNFALL in this industry. Shooting with amazing photographers is just the start 🌻 _____________________________________________________ Portfolio: www.ChavalierJ.com Facebook: ChavalierJ _______________________________________________________ MUA: @alvarezzjasmine Creative Direction: @damnthosesteaktacos x @mannyortizphoto_ Clothing: @omajbynoir Shoes: @shopakira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #influencers#colorblock#portrait_vision#tennis#serenawilliams #editorailmodel#modelingagencies#lamodel#chicagomodel#miamimodel#lamodels#swimsuit#commercialmodel#fashionmodel#tacotuesday#commercialphotography#modelcoach#lifestylephotography#lifestylemodel#melanin#blackmodel#editorialphotography#l4likeforlikesback #photooftheday#instadaily#tuesday#red#videoftheday#slay#colorpop

A post shared by Model. Posing Coach. (@damnthosesteaktacos) on Jun 30, 2018 at 1:30pm PDT

Although a strobe or at least a reflector would make your life easier, there will be times when you won’t have any of them with you. So, use these tips as a guideline to help you shoot in the direct sunlight. Experiment, and turn that harsh light to your advantage.

[How to Photograph in HARSH light using NO FLASH or REFLECTORS | Manny Ortiz]

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Related posts:

How to shoot amazing portraits in midday sun with only one light 5 tips for shooting portraits in harsh midday sun Four ways to make the best of direct sunlight in your portraits This is how to get gorgeous portraits despite harsh sunlight

Filed Under: Tutorials Tagged With: direct sun, Harsh, Manny Ortiz, midday sun, outdoor portraits, portrait photography, Sun, Sunlight

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Dunja Djudjic is a writer and photographer from Novi Sad, Serbia. You can see her work on Flickr, Behance and her Facebook page.

John Aldred is based in Scotland and photographs animals in the studio and people in the wild.

You can find out more about John on his website and follow his adventures on YouTube and Facebook.

JP Danko is a commercial photographer based in Toronto, Canada. JP
can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.

To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.

JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.

Clinton Lofthouse is a Photographer, Retoucher and Digital Artist based in the United Kingdom, who specialises in creative retouching and composites. Proud 80's baby, reader of graphic novels and movie geek!
Find my work on My website or follow me on Facebook or My page

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