Contact sheet for iStockers: Tip: Don't be afraid of the shadows

Don’t be afraid of the shadows

When I was a newbie iStocker, I was given some very good advice: when shooting models outdoors, generally try to avoid the middle of the day when the light is overhead and very bright. Squinting eyes and harsh shadows don’t often make for good stock photos. But what do you do if that’s the only time your model is available, or you’re having lunch in the park and your gorgeous child is looking especially cute?

It’s still possible to get great shots at this time of day, even on a cloudless day in summer. Look around you to find some natural diffusion, like a large tree, a market umbrella or wide veranda, and place your model in the light shade. Then you can grab that reflector we all carry in our camera bags, to bounce back some light where it’s needed. A couple of extra minutes of preparation can turn a difficult situation into a photographic gem.

Thank you, trigga.

Niceeeee Susan!

Thanks Trigga! I love Scrim

Thank you, Trigga. Regards from Italy Roby