Lighting Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios: Strategies for Digital Photographers

fashion images are actually shot this way because of the way the harder light

enhances the texture of the clothing. In this situation, it is best to have the

model look away from the sun or at least down. Generally speaking, if a pho-

tograph calls for bright light with contrast, it is best to schedule the shoot for

the golden hour (see page 34).

Photograph4-7showswhat,whengiventhechoice,ismyfavoritesolution

to this lighting situation. This is a combination of sunlight with fill flash. It is

the most technically challenging to accomplish and make look natural, but it

provides the photographer with the most control. The principle is this: the

sunlight exposes the majority of the image; therefore, you set your exposure

for the sunlight. Then, you add an auxiliary flash to fill in (lighten) the shad-

ows to whatever degree you desire. You let the sunlight contour the model’s

body and use the flash to reduce the negative effects of sunlight on imper-

fections. This also allows the model to look away from the sun, eliminating

squinting.

Photograph4-8wasshotunderanovercastskywiththeuseofaflash.This

combination gives the photographer the softness of the cloud-covered sun-

TYPES OF LIGHT SOURCES 59

4-7(left).Adding fill flash allows you to
create a more flattering effect.

4-8(right).Here, cloud-covered skies
paired with flash create a good lighting
scenario.