Exposed- Photoshoots on Sunny Days

Normal people see a gorgeous sunny day and think of how great it will be for pictures. Photographers see something entirely different.  We see blown out highlights, deep, dark shadows, the possibility of squinting subjects and immediately have to start thinking of how to make it work. Photoshoots on full sun days are something that requires a strategy.  Photographers have to be on the lookout for that sweet shady spot, ways to create images that allow for a pretty backdrop while keeping the sun at the subjects back, and they have to be ready to compensate for the harsh light conditions. 

I have no doubt that when my clients see me coming with a light stand or a speedlight mounted to my camera on a sunny day, they're thinking "what the heck does she need all that for!?"   And, maybe I won't need it for everything, but more often than not, it really has helped to have handy!  Those lights are for "fill flash".  If I want to negate the harsh shadows in certain circumstances, I can use that flash.  I don't leave home without one!  When I started doing portraits several years ago, I was all about natural light.  I still love natural light and there are photographers out there that do AMAZING things that way. 

It was my first wedding that made me decide to dig in to using flash, not only on camera, but off.  That idea had been extremely intimidating, but I had always loved the drama that could be created with light and shadow.  It took A  LOT of trial and error, though.  I'm not about that technical life.  My learning process has to be by doing -- by making lots of mistakes and learning from them... a lot like how I live my life!  

After a few articles, podcasts and video after video, I had SOME basic understanding.  (If you are looking for some really helpful resources to learn more about photography, I recommend checking out Improvephotography.com.  Really down to earth people who master the craft and have a way of discussing it that doesn't make you feel like you jumped into another universe!) Understanding the idea of using flash is one thing.  Putting it into practice is another and that requires finding the tools that you can feel comfortable using.  Effective speedlights, easy to use triggers.... it can be costly finding out what you prefer working with, for sure!  But!  I found it. And, it was a game changer for me.  

With my Godox AD200, 850II, wireless trigger (Godox X1) and my preferred modifiers from Magnet Mod, I am able to "play" with so many different setups!  If you are curious and want to play too.... grab one of these and give them a shot!  I'm telling you, if I can use them, anybody can!  So to all my fellow creatives out there, keep working your craft and trying new things!  

---