the previous one; the image sensor can no longer handle the large difference
in exposure between the bright sunlight and the heavy shadows. Notice, par-
ticularly, the heavy shadows on the background. There is an advantage to
using this style light, though: it allows you to enhance the curves of the
model’s body. Notice the shadowing on the model’s chest and how it accen-
tuates thecontours of thelegs.Be careful,however,thatyouputsufficientfill
light on the model’s face. Otherwise, you will create unwanted contours on
her face, as well! Because the reflected light in a situation like this can be very
bright, you may need to have the model close her eyes and open them for the
exposure on a set count.
Photograph4-5was shot without the use of a reflector. Notice how hard
thelightisonthemodel’sfaceandhoweverylittleimperfectionismagnified.
The shirt has also lost some of the detail. Overall, it is not a very pleasing
photograph.
Bright sunlight coming over your shoulder can be acceptable with land-
scapes.Itcanalsoworkwithmodels,providedthatthefaceisnottheprimary
area of interest in the image, as shown in photograph4-6. Many high-
58 LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR PHOTOGRAPHING MODEL PORTFOLIOS
4-5(left).Removing the reflector results
in an image that is not appealing.
4-6(right).Hard light is common in
fashion photography because it empha-
sizes the texture of the clothing.