This is a behind the scenes of one of my portrait photoshoots in Port Costa.

You'll see that even in the same location, using pure natural light and a flash can yield very different results. Shooting in pure natural light sometimes works but sometimes doesn’t. A flash can be used to fix the issue, but what if we take the skill to the next level, and use it to make the image look dramatic and moody, instead of solving a problem?

The outline:

1) Intro (00:00)

2) Natural Light vs Flash as fill light vs Flash as main light (00:59)

3) Flash as the main light (2:41)

4) Natural light (5:41)

-Both the subject and the background has the same exposure in an overcast day, which means no flash is needed to balance the subject and the ambient exposures.

-The images are ok but flat

5) Flash as the main light again (6:48)

6) Flash as the fill light (7:46)

-The goal of using a fill flash is to simply remove the shadow and the color cast, instead of making the photos dramatic and moody.

-Using a fill flash is one of the 2 strategies that I use in a complete shade where the light is flat.

7) Shooting in pure natural light that works (8:43)

-I turned the model around so the harsh sunlight was behind her and became the hair light

-The main light was the sunlight being reflected the grey colored pavement

-The intensity of the main light was strong and clean, while the background is properly exposed. Therefore, no flash was needed to balance the exposures.

8) Summary (9:22)

***

One Situation that A Flash is Definitely Needed

https://youtu.be/vTaFO3RD56I

***

Don't miss the Natural Light Portrait Workshop on February 25th 2023 afternoon at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco! Maximum 6 attendees only, learn more at

https://www.photosprouts.com/natural-light-portraiture

***



My equipment:

-Camera: Canon R5

-Lens: Canon EF 85mm F1.4 lens; Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8

-Flash: Godox AD200 x 2 (front and back)

-Softbox: Glow Ez Lock 36" Octabox

***

In-Person Photography Workshops

*Photosprouts Photography Workshops

*Top-rated Instructor-led Workshops in San Francisco

*Equipment provided  for Beginners

http://www.photosprouts.com

*Social Media: ~Please follow~

http://www.instagram.com/photosprouts

http://www.facebook.com/photosprouts

*Online Classes:

From Natural Light to Off-Camera Flash Portraiture (NEW CLASS!)

https://christina-s-school-7697.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Shooting Painterly Portraits

https://christina-s-site.thinkific.com/courses/painterly

Understanding Color Gels:

https://christina-s-school-7a2c.thinkific.com/courses/colorgels

Color grading:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/color-grading

The Joy of Flower Photography:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/flower

Beginner 101 For Photography Newbies:

https://photosproutsbeginner101.thinkific.com/courses/beginner-101-photography-workshop-online

***

Rona's IG:

http://www.instagram.com/ronasorokin