Tutorials
SUMMARY
Photographer Gerard Needham outlines five common mistakes made when shooting portraits with natural light that can result in flat images. These errors include over-relying on shade, which can lead to lifeless shots, and unbalanced exposure causing dark subjects against blown-out backgrounds. Needham also covers fixing color casts, such as green casts from shadows, and demonstrates how to effectively use harsh midday sun by adjusting the subject's position. Finally, he explains how to shape light using environmental elements or a 5-in-1 reflector, emphasizing techniques like feathering for better results.
TAKEAWAYS
Avoid over-relying on shade for natural light portraits; treat it as one tool among many.
Correct unbalanced exposure to prevent subjects from being lost against bright backgrounds.
Neutralize green color casts in shadows by adjusting the tone curve in post-processing.
Use harsh light effectively by positioning the subject to avoid unflattering shadows and ensure catchlights.