The selection between sheds and backlighting for outdoor portraits can dramatically affect how your subject appears. Knowing when each can be used, can significantly increase the quality and style of your photography.
Jai P. Coming to you with Morgan Slanted lensIt moves through the nuances of the shooting portrait in the practical video shed. Morgan indicates how to place his subject on the very edge of the shadow provides light and subtle control on the background. Use of one Reflector Outside the shaded area, Morgan shows how easily you can brighten your subject’s face naturally without shaking shade. The simplicity and versatility of the shadow are clear benefits, especially for those shooting in beginner or unexpected external environment. Morgan also shares a useful tip about positioning reflectors: keeping them high to emphasize facial features instead of illuminating them from bottom.
Morgan turns into backlighting, indicating the advantages of forming dynamic, beautifully burnt pictures without restriction of shade. The technique offers natural rim lighting, exposing hair and adding dimensions. He clearly explains why the situation matters: the ideal setup is to keep your subject against a dark background to take advantage of the opposite. Unlike the shed, the backlighting demands careful exposure control as direct sunlight can easily overwhelm highlights. Morgan recommends switching to manual mode to maintain control over highlights, ensuring that they do not shake the image.
Morgan further refines the technique, explaining the replacement difference of the reflector when using the backlight. While the shed setup requires closely placed reflector to bounce sufficient soft light on the subject, requiring backlighting. Reflectors are set from behind. Very close, and the risk of rigid reflected sunlight to blow the face details. He describes the subtle adjustment to the reflective distance, effectively manages the intensity of the shade and the heat of the face. Additionally, Morgan shares practical suggestions, such as using a stool for better camera angles and simple methods for securing reflector during air days.
Explanation about Morgan’s clear, managing these techniques on hands helps you to refine your external picture skills confidently. Their balanced comparison highlights the benefits and challenges of each method, providing useful insight that goes beyond specific light tips. You will appreciate their practical advice about exposure management and reflectors handling, especially useful if you are ever struggling to balance the natural lighting. Watch the video above for full randon from Morgan.
If you want to continue to learn a picture in light, make sure “be sure to check”Facial illuminating: lighting for headshots and portraits With Peter Hurley,