Today’s blog is relevant to anyone who shoots people, whether professionally for portraits/headshots or personally for family, events, etc.
Recently I had a shoot scheduled for downtown Bethlehem; but truly wondered how it would come off for two reasons, it was so so cold (in the 20s I think) and because I had already decided to shoot this session without strobes (flashes/artificial light source). My head was swimming with ideas and scenarios as I waited for the client, hoping she would be brave enough to shoot outside…hoping I would be brave enough to shoot outside, options if we couldn’t. Just then she walks in, and all was answered. We were shooting indoors. She didn’t even look to be warm enough for the restaurant. So, now what…
After a bit of a chat, we headed toward the light…sunlight. It helped that I was a little familiar with the building. The glass door entrance in the back of the building proved to be the perfect spot; the vestibule area between the two sets of doors. White walls and sunlight was all that was needed…Voila!!! I also found another fantastic spot in this small mall, the glass walkway from the parking deck to the building…Gorgeous light!
The bottom line, indoors or out….just look for the light! Although there are exceptions to most rules, when possible be sure the subject is not under direct sunlight, a doorway, awning, etc works much better…and keep them just on the shade side out of the sun. You will be very pleased! I was, and used this location again for my shoot the next day.