Outdoor Portraits That Shine
One of the great hidden features on digital cameras is the fill
flash or flash on mode. By taking control of the flash so it goes
on when you want it to, not when the camera deems it appropriate,
you've just taken an important step toward capturing great outdoor
portraits.
In flash on mode, the camera exposes for the background first, then
adds just enough flash to illuminate your portrait subject. The
result is a professional looking picture where everything in the
composition looks good. Wedding photographers have been using this
technique for years.
After you get the hang of using the flash outdoors, try a couple
variations on this theme by positioning the subject so the sun
illuminates the hair from the side or the back, often referred to
as rim lighting. Another good technique is to put the model in the
shade under a tree, then use the flash to illuminate the subject.
This keeps the model comfortable and cool with no squinty eyes from
the harsh sun, and this often results in a more relaxed looking
portrait.
Remember, though, that most built-in camera flashes only have a
range of 10 feet (or even less!), so make sure you don't stand too
far away when using fill flash outdoors.
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