Portrait Photography

MANIPULATING SHADOWS AND

HIGHLIGHTS

Whether you are shooting in bright sunlight or on an
overcastday,theskillofanaccomplishedlocationportrait
photographeristoseewhereand whenthelightisatits
best and how to utilize this to your advantage.
Understandinghowsunlightchangesandbehavesiskeyto
creating the most flattering and favourable portraits.

Constantly changing lighting conditions are the primary
drawback when trying to control and read the light on
location.The photographer must be constantly aware of
thesechangingfactorsandbe quicktoadaptand change
their approach to any situation that might occur.

FINDING THE LIGHT ON AN OVERCAST DAY

Whenshootinginanovercastsituationitcanbedifficultto

seewherethesunis.Youcandeterminewherethelight

is comingfrombyholdingeitheryourhandorafolded

pieceofwhitepaperuptowardsthesubject’sface.Look

toseewherethelightestareaofthehandorpaperis,and

thisisthedirectionofthesun.Thesubjectshouldthenbe

placed with this information in mind.

Shootinginstrongsunlightitcanbedifficulttocontrolthe
light to create flattering portraits. It is best to avoid if
possibleshootingbetween 11 and 3 o’clockasthisiswhen
thesunisatitsmostconcentrated;thislightbyitsnatureis