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Ask the digital photographer: Sunny days
Summary: In my professional world I have the opportunity to photograph an extremely wide variety of subjects. For the most part, the photos involve people and their surroundings. I am faced with many of the same circumstances all photographers of all skill levels encounter. It is not uncommon for many of my subjects to ask questions about my cameras and my approach to photography.
In response to their curiosity and thoughtful questions, Portraitsecrets offers a continuing conversation on techniques and some insight using questions from website visitors and people encountered while on assigned photo shoots.
Question: I
have always heard that you should have the sun to your back when taking
photos. However, on really bright and sunny days people are always
squinting or have their sunglasses on. I tried shooting photos in
the shade, but the background is either too light or the subjects are
too dark. What am I doing wrong?  | | The inset photo had a naturally illuminated background, but the subjects under a shelter to keep them from squinting in the midday sun. Using flash on the camera, the subjects and the background are evenly lit. |
Answer:
Good light is essential to good photographs, so having the sun at your
back is good advice, but there are exceptions. The glaring light of the
midday sun, while bright, can actually work against you as a
photographer. The subjects will likely be squinting and that
doesn’t make for great facial expressions.
Moving into the shade is a good solution. If
you want to have both the background (bright light) and the subjects
(shaded) to be properly lit, I suggest using the camera’s built-in
flash to solve the problem.
The simplest way to get quick and acceptable results
is to use the camera’s scene mode and select the mode for subjects  | | The red circle notes the scene mode from a NikonD40 for a backlit subject. |
that
are backlit. That means the subjects are illuminated from behind or are
in the shade. The camera will select the proper amount of flash
to balance the scene.
Using the camera manual and the glossary, look for
flash photography in the index. The manual will likely have several
entries. There will likely be several entries in the manual that
explain in great detail how to use the flash in both automatic and
manual modes. The best advice here is to practice your technique and
utilize the one that seems to work best for you and gives you
consistent positive results.
If you are using a electronic flash that can be
removed from the camera, common to many digital SLR cameras, you can
use a flash extension cord to hold the flash in your hand to move the
light source away from the camera. That technique will allow you have a
light source, off camera, that will provide a softer and directed light
on to your subjects.
It will also eliminate the reflections that often occur in glasses or backgrounds with direct flash photos.
Suggesting an alternative for the posed photo
If you do not like flash photos or do not have a
camera that has a flash or a flash that just never seems to work
properly,  | | An alternative photo of this active elderly couple resulted in a moment that captured their lifestyle and youthful enthusiasm. |
here's a suggestion that may solve your problems and provide
an even better photo.
In the case of the photos cited in this article, I chose to use an off
camera flash to fill in the shadow areas and provide an evenly lit
photo. I also chose an alternative photo of the couple on a park
swing set. The couple was active and willing to be photographed at the
swing and the results speak for themselves.
Tips for success:
- Use the camera flash to balance the subject/background light
- Consult the camera manual for flash operation
- Practice the flash technique that works best for you
- Select an alternative way to photograph your subject that avoids the use of flash
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
• more tips & tricks
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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 Michael E. Keating is an award winning portrait photographer...
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