But you can mimic the golden hour light to extend the window of opportunity. In the second scenario with the light dropping fast an extended golden hour shoot may not be possible. This also ensures some contrast in the image. This ensures that the faces are properly lit. Next, dial in the power settings on the flash so that it is just about half a stop to one stop higher than the exposure for the background. Then meter for the background to establish the shutter speed you need. An external light meter is essential as it will help you to balance the exposure. Use just enough light to balance the exposure on the subject’s faces. With the light(s) thus setup, meter for the background. You are free to choose whichever setup you wish to go with. Some photographers prefer a second strobe that is fired aimed at this transition area. Depending on the position of the couple’s faces you will have a nice transition area between the sun-lit and the strobe-lit sections. The subjects will be lit from behind by the sun and from the other side, which will be slightly darker as the main light (the sun) is behind, will be lit by the fill-light, i.e., your strobe. This basically creates a cross-lighting setup. In the first scenario have the strobe placed at 180 ° to the position of the sun. CTO gels should be your preferred choice. This is because the ambient light at this time of the day is extremely warm and the color cast will be difficult to correct later in post-process. In the first of the two scenarios (as a matter of fact in both the scenarios) above you will need to gel the strobes. These units are more powerful, have faster recycle time and gives you better control over your photography. Rather than speedlights I would recommend using strobes here, especially those which are battery powered. In both the above situations the solution would be in using an external flash. B – If you plan an extended shoot, the light will change dramatically over time making it difficult for you to produce a series of similarly exposed images.That is unless you are careful enough to change the color temperature as well as the exposure. A – In trying to expose for the faces you are blowing out the sky. You want to capture your couple against the setting sun. Let’s assume that you are shooting engagement photos. Let’s take the best case scenario to start off – working at the golden hour. Tip # 1 & 2 – External Flash in Outdoor Shooting- Golden Hour (Two Scenarios) Then again cloud cover plays an important part in the whole scheme of things. Color temperature is something that changes with the progress of the day as well. When shooting outdoors you need to keep an eye out for changing color temperature. Late afternoon light, as we discussed above, is more pleasing and amiable for shooting. Mid-day light is harsh producing striking shadows. It changes throughout the course of the day. The quality of light, by nature, isn’t the same throughout the day. During the times of the day I mentioned above it changes quite rapidly. Inclement light means light that changes. Understanding the nature of light is fundamental to all photography As an aspiring photographer you will soon face it and have learn how to work your way around the challenge known as – inclement light. Therein lies the challenge that most outdoor photographers face. Unfortunately, despite the magical attributes of these beautiful times of the day, the fundamental aspect of natural light makes them completely unpredictable. Fast forward another 30 minutes or so and the potential of the blue hour isn’t that inconspicuous either. You can shoot wedding, engagements, casual portraits, architecture photos and much much more during this magical time of the day. This warm soothing light is perfect for a number of photography genres. I know most of you are aware how amazing golden hour light can be. Shooting outdoors in natural light can be a challenge depending upon your understanding of the nature of light. This article is meant for photographers who want to learn how to use an external flash in outdoor shooting situation. Apby Rajib Mukherjee filed under Photography Equipment, Photography Tips.
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