Photo Booth

I was asked to shoot photos at a woman’s dinner event during the Christmas season. My set up was simple and effective; I used two umbrella modifiers and a five-foot reflector at the feet. Along with a festive backdrop, our shots all turned out pretty well! Next time, however, I plan on using a center strobe to fill in shadows.

Using Available Light

Sierra Madre — Harsh, mid-day sun and shadows make for a potential nightmare for shooting portraits. Finding the right light in those conditions can be a challenge, especially when you have limited space for a good background.

Shooting tight and wide open can make just about any background look good, especially at f2.8. Using a silver reflector helps throw light onto the shaded subject, making the photo “pop.” This time, rather than reflecting high at a 45-degree angle, we shot low, under the chin, giving viewers a feel of warmth while maintaining it’s cheeriness. Is that a made up word?