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[OM] Re: Using flash outdoors on a bright day.

Subject: [OM] Re: Using flash outdoors on a bright day.
From: Chuck Norcutt <chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:26:42 -0400
Yes, what Garth said about reflectors for shadow fill.  Recommended if 
you have an assistant and you're only dealing with one or, possibly, two 
people.  This is a good basic reflector at a good compromise size (42")
<http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358614-REG/Impact_R1342_Reflector_Disc_White.html>
Note that it is translucent which allows you to use it as a reflector or 
also as a diffuser to filter rather than reflect the light.  Some white 
reflectors are not translucent.  You can also buy a more elaborate setup 
which uses the translucent reflector as a base and gives you silver, 
gold and non-translucent white in the form of zip-on covers.
<http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/358608-REG/Impact_R1142_5_in_1_Reflector_Disc_.html>
The non-translucent white reflects more light, the silver reflects lots 
more and tends to be a bit harsh and the gold gives a warmer morning or 
evening light effect.  Other brands might also provide black as part of 
the cover.  You use black to subtract light from the subject.  You can 
buy reflector stands and holders for working without an assistant but I 
find them cumbersome and impractical.  With no assistant I'll 
immediately go for flash for fill light.

When using a reflector make sure to get the reflector set such that the 
light is reflected upwards into the eye sockets and under the nose and 
chin.  Watch the eye sockets for the effect.  Sometimes the subject can 
be your assistant.  Seated on the grass, for example they can rest the 
reflector in their lap or, sitting at a table just place the reflector 
on the table in front of them.

ps:  You may need someone to explain to you the first time how to fold 
one of these collapsible reflectors to fit back into the bag  :-)

Dr. Flash (going low tech)


Garth Wood wrote:
> Ali Shah wrote:
>> Not sure if this falls under a "Dr. Flash" request but
>> I had a question on using flash outdoors on a bright
>> day. I am a little confused about shooting w/ a flash
>> in sunlight to remove harsh shadows. I used flash
>> outdoors while shooting a model during a recent
>> outing. Some of my photos were overexposed. The skin
>> was sort of "washed out".
> 
> Ignoring the idea of using flash for a second, go invest in two dollars' 
> worth of white construction card, or (if you're feeling flush) a 
> professional reflector for forty bucks.  Then get a 
> buddy/helper/Sherpa/whatever to hold it off slightly to one side of you 
> while you're shooting your model, making the light from the card bounce 
> back into the shadows of the model as he/she is backlit.  That way, you 
> can experiment with more or less fill light to your heart's content, and 
> you always get live feedback as to how it looks.
> 
> 
> Garth
> 
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