The Secret to Perfect Outdoor Glamour Photos
With the birth of digital photography and other modern innovations in
photography, it is becoming a challenge for glamour photographers to
pull their craft up a notch and get out of the predictable studio
location. The overly controlled studio environment can be a bit boring,
so more and more photographers and clients have come to terms with the
idea that the outdoors adds a bit of realism to portraits.
However, outdoor glamour photography is a tricky business. Unlike in
the studio where everything is under the photographer’s control, the
photographer has to contend with natural lighting that cannot be in any
way manipulated. Hence, the time of the day and the type of weather is
very crucial to creating the kind of mood desired for the final photos.
Too much sun and light tends to wash out the subjects, but not enough
light will also make the models appear drab and dull.
To achieve the best outdoor glamour shots, one does not need to carry
along a lot of equipment, especially that there may be a need to change
locations more often than when you are in the studio where you only
change the backdrop and switch on or off some lights. Usually, a good
digital camera, a tripod, some reflector boards, and wax paper will do,
in addition to a glamour photographer's skill and the model's
willingness to go from one location to the next, which may be necessary
to catch the best lighting.
Before setting up your equipment and positioning the model, a
photographer should be able to pick the perfect location. Try to walk
around and find a place where you get natural lighting without direct
sunlight. The rays of the sun at noon can cast harsh shadows and high
contrast, causing the subjects to appear washed out. Also take note that
direct sunlight will cause your model to squint, which is a no-no in
glamour photography.
If you are raring to shoot in a certain spot but the lighting is too
bright, you may wait around until the lighting subdues. Or you may try
finding a place where there is enough sun and shade. Do not take
pictures in heavily shaded areas because it will make your subject
appear darker, and sometimes photo-editing software will not give you
the effect that you intend to create.
Of course, if you wish to have a more dramatic effect, shooting
during sunset will be a good choice, but you will have to use different
flashes and reflectors to illuminate your subject as while still
capturing the soft yellowish or reddish hues as the sun sets.
Some of the best spots to shoot your glamour photos would be ordinary
places like parks, beaches, pools, wharfs, lighthouses, farms, barns,
road sides, old houses, dilapidated buildings --- the possibilities are
endless. The trick there is for the photographer to first envision how
he would like the photos to look and for the models to feel comfortable
posing in location of choice.
Remember two very important things when shooting glamour photos
outdoors: a classy location and good lighting. |
