Candice - Hi again,
I just re-read this, and saw that photographing a client in the shade with a blown out backround is not optimal. Any suggestions for how to get around that, especially if the session is not at sunset? Do you just look for backlighting?
jc carley - love love love these lessons!
Wondering if you could share an image straight out of the camera so I can see what the faces look like with this backlighting technique before photoshop. I just want to see how far off my in camera captures are. Mine are always underexposed even with a little exposure compensation boost. Ugh!
Candice - I just wanted to say I've been thinking about this post a lot and it's really helped me in the past few shoots I've done. I've been searching out more spots to backlight photos and also shady spots. Big difference. Thanks for all your tips, totally appreciated.
Melissa Jill :) - Hi Kate -- No, I don't use flash or a reflector. I usually slightly over-expose (1/3 or 2/3 stop) so the hair light is slightly blown out but the face is properly exposed.
Kate Appelman - Hi there!
For back-lit shots, such as the 4th one down with the diptych of the girl in the black dress - are you using flash or a reflector to make sure her face is properly lit too?
Thanks!
sheakorinne - Great post! Really made me reconsider how I choose locations! Thanks:-)
Paige Overturf - Great post...thank you for sharing your passion with us!
Jenn Valluzzo - This is such an awesome post and so well demonstrated. I love it!
Anastasia - I love reading your tips and insights Melissa, and this post was so very helpful! Backlighting is the best. xxx
janet Gerbutavich - Thanks so much for this article. I am always worrying about the background. This gives forces me to remember the light. Thanks
Kari Jeanne - Super love this post - I worry too much about finding good backgrounds. Definitely going to start looking for good light instead!! Is it hard to be such a photography genius?!?!
Karen - Love this!! It makes complete sense to shoot for light not background, but it's amazing how easy it is to get caught up in the background. Thank you for the reminder that your SUBJECT and the LIGHT completely make a picture! Can't wait to go look for some awesome light!
Calvin Hill - I see what you are saying. I find myself, though, looking for that light and lo and behold, power lines or whatever. I don't want to spend anytime in PS if I don't have to. So here lately, I am so careful with my backgrounds. But at the same time I want that nice backlit. Thanks for the post, and keeping me on my toes!
kendra jean - Totally agree with you!! I always look for good lighting first and make the background work! :) I have even had a few that have questioned during the session "isn't this background boring? or isn't that one over there better?" But after seeing the final images, I have never had any of them mention what was in the background and they still love the images! :)
Edwin - Well done!. I guess u never use the hood on your lenses? to catch the flare.
Grtz,
Ed