Okay, not really high noon, but another example of shooting at the beach and not at the Golden Hour. It’s tough, but it’s still fun and definitely viable. So why is it so hard? Because if the sky is cloudless, then there is no hiding from the harsh and unflattering blast from our glorious Sun. If the subjects face the Sun, you get squinting. If they turn slightly to avoid the blinding light, you get really harsh shadows and blown highlights. And should they put their backs to the Sun, and you want correct exposure on the face, then there goes your background.
Unless of course you add in a little, or a lot of extra light. I worked alone on this shoot, and used a single speedlight on a light-stand (triggered by a Phottix Strato II Multi) as we didn’t have a lot of extra time to set up additional light sources. Just looking for that little extra help (quit a bit actually as I probably popped the light at full power and certainly no less than half power).
The last shot seems a little corny, but every time I look at it, it makes me happy. Not sure why, and I won’t take credit for the idea. So here’s to wishing you a little happiness……
Come on, look again. Makes you smile, no?
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cool article.
I’m definitely smiling. Love the vibrant, colorful, family. You have to appreciate the combination of complementary colors; red in the clothing with green of the landscape. The lines created by the formation and dark shadows of the rocks and the line-up of the family ending with the matriarch adds drama. Love this family shoot.