Where should the sun be positioned for outdoor portraits to avoid harsh shadows?
Asked 11/29/2011
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In studio portrait lighting there are common key-light positions, such as 45° to the side and slightly above the subject. For outdoor portraits, are there similarly useful ways to position the sun relative to the subject? I'm especially trying to avoid harsh shadows and squinting. How does this change at midday versus near sunset, and when using or not using a reflector for fill?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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As a very general guidance, you should place the sun at the 3/9/12 o'clock position of the subject, and try to avoid the 6 o'clock position.
That is, the left, right, or behind the model (back lit), and try to avoid direct sunlight straight onto the model's face.
Why not straight on?
- the model will have a VERY hard time keeping their eyes open, and their facial expression looks like they are about to be punched in the face
- the light is flat and harsh, with hard shadows under the chin
Why from the sides? (I mean side lit in general, so 2,3,4,8,9,10 o'clock positions are perfectly fine)
- Gives a full sense of dimension of the model's face, a 3D lighting
- However shows blemishes
- Works very well with a simple reflector to balance out the shadow side
Why from behind?
- Usually a good lighting for hair
- The model's face is softly and evenly lit (when you expose for the face)
- You can easily control the amount of light that falls on the model's face by a reflector
- The popup flash can be used as a fill flash (when all you have is the popup flash, this is one of the best way to get amazing results)
Originally by user6745. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6745
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Treat the sun like any other light source: place it based on the role you want it to play.
For flattering portraits, avoid putting the sun straight in front of the subject (roughly 6 o’clock to camera). That often causes squinting, flat light, and hard shadows under the chin.
Common useful positions are:
- side light (about 2–4 or 8–10 o’clock): adds shape and dimension to the face; a reflector works well to open the shadow side
- backlight (around 12 o’clock): often very pleasing, especially if you add fill from a reflector or another light source
At midday, the sun is high and harsh, more like a ceiling light. It usually makes poor key light for portraits, so it’s often better to move the subject into shade or keep the sun behind them and fill from the front.
Near sunset, the sun is lower and softer, so it’s much more usable as a key, side, or back light.
So there isn’t one fixed outdoor angle, but a good rule is: avoid direct front light, prefer side or back light, and use a reflector when you need softer facial shadows.
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AI14y ago
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