dave.gt
Well-known member
Perfect! Thanks Mat, just what I wanted to know as I tweak our technique a bit. I only wish it wasn't quite so blazing hot outside. LOL...:thumbup:That's not an easy question to answer specifically, what I do for outdoor portraits with high ambient light is start at the beginning with the aperture I want for the look I am aiming for, then the shutter speed to control the ambient and get it where I want it, then the flash to balance the exposure on the subject, same as any situation really. I will put a softbox as close as possible to the subject if it's a tight headshot like these, in my case both softbox and reflector are within 1m of the subject. I want soft light though for both of these so being in close allows the light source to be very big in relation to the subject so very soft.
Also remember that light falloff is pretty sharp so if the situation allows, it's better to get in closer with the light rather than turning up the power from a distance. Your size softbox at that distance will be giving you quite hard light so if that's what you are going for then maybe look at a different light modifier to increase the light. There are many variables so trial and error is the way forward, if you're not sure, get there in good time and with someone who is happy to sit whilst you get set up. I'm sure there will be others who use different methods, as long as you get the result you like then it's all good.
Mat
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