The Right Light: Photographing Children and Families Using Natural Light

The Right Light: Photographing Children and Families Using Natural Light

by Krista Smith
The Right Light: Photographing Children and Families Using Natural Light

The Right Light: Photographing Children and Families Using Natural Light

by Krista Smith

eBook

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Overview

The key to being a successful portrait photographer is choosing a style of photography you are passionate about. While many photographers work in multiple areas to fill the off season or offer a variety of options, most photographers focus on one style of photography. Oftentimes, the photographers’ location will dictate their style. For author Krista Smith, the sunny beaches of Florida are her inspiration to shoot primarily natural light portraits, and she applies that to capturing authentic and joyful family portraits. Whether photographing entire families, kids, babies or all of the above, Smith brings an ease and comfort to the shoots that is immediately evident in her pictures. And shows you how to create the same look in your environment or clients’ homes.
While passion plays a key role in creating memorable portraits, employing the right techniques is essential for consistently getting those perfect shots. Smith begins by detailing what equipment you’ll need to get started and gives some insight on how and what to use. She emphasizes taking the time to figure out and hone a personal style of shooting. The book lists a number of tips for finding a style that fits, including taking inspiration from other photographers you admire, and deciding what kind of feeling you want to present. Once you start to find your style it’s important to build your portfolio. Organizing shoots with friends and family and offering free shoots to aspiring models is a great place to start.
Outdoor shoots are the most ideal settings when using natural light as your primary light source. The author lays out the shoot requirements and gives tips for scouting the best locations. To create a photo that stands out, it’s important to be versatile. While a sweeping vista covered in flowers or grand mansion may be preferred as backdrops, these are often not an option for many. A city street with multiple building textures or a small field can be used from a variety of angles to create the feel of something grander.
From there the author moves onto the basics of lighting in an outdoor setting. By explaining the fundamentals of the direction and quality of light and the use of reflectors, it allows the reader to prepare for any outdoor scenario. An entire chapter of the book dedicated to shooting strategies over the course of twelve hours. There are different requirements for shooting at different times of the day. The reader will learn how to make the most of the “golden hour” and adjust for problematic midday lighting. Adapting your approach for morning, evening and sunset sessions is also covered.
Sometimes weather does not cooperate for an outdoor shoot. Luckily, there are plenty of options for using natural and available light indoors. Shooting in a client’s house provides a comfortable setting for the family and this ease can come across in the photos. Window light is a powerful tool to have an understanding of for these shoots. It is possible to get a variety of shots from one window. Being able to see beautiful light in all kinds of locations opens up countless shooting opportunities.
While lighting is essential, thoughtful posing plays many important roles. In a well-done family portrait, the models look relaxed and natural. Some people look this way naturally, others need assistance. And posing isn't always a static thing; it can be more like orchestrating, grouping people together and getting them to move around in just the right way. It can also be used to help distract from physical problem areas, and bring added style to a photo. In addition, pointers are given on how to relax anxious children, organize families for group shots and encourage spontaneous moments.
Finally, Smith discusses the business side of portrait photography. As she states in the closing chapter, there is more to the business than taking amazing photos. Without a stable financial and marketing plan it is difficult to stay competitive and possibly, stay in business. Realistic pricing packages are key. Pricing competitively is good, but it’s important to consider all of your expenses when deciding how much to charge. Marketing is imperative to the success of any business and social media can play a large role in that. Tips for using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and blogging are given to help keep a business current and their clientele updated. An equally important part of marketing is branding. Establishing a brand helps you stand out from all of the other portrait photographers out there. Putting your style and passion out front helps clients know who to choose for their portrait needs. And pointers are given for customer interaction both over the phone and in person.
This book provides a comprehensive overview of each aspect of professional family portrait photography. Smith takes the passion she has for creating beautiful, natural light portraits and lays out the steps for the reader to capture memorable shots on their own. Readers are also guided through what is involved with establishing a successful and vibrant portrait business. Drawing from her own experiences starting a portrait business from the ground up and providing indispensable tips for almost any shooting scenario, Smith has created an essential guide for natural light portraiture.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781608956944
Publisher: Amherst Media, Incorporated
Publication date: 04/15/2014
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 128
File size: 19 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Krista Smith is a photographer and writer based in Pensacola, Florida. Her work has appeared in nationwide magazines such as Where to Retire and in Amherst Media books such as 500 Poses for Infants and Toddlers, 500 Poses for Photographing Group Portraits and others.

Table of Contents

About the Author
Acknowledgments

Introduction
Getting Started
Available Light on Location

1. What You Need
Camera
Lenses
Zoom vs. Prime
Focusing, Stabilization, and Speed
Tip: Do Your Homework
My Suggestions
Lens Hood
Cleaning Kit
Tip: A Place to Meet Your Clients
Tripod
Memory Cards
Camera Bag
Lighting Gear
A Reflector
A Plain White Umbrella
Clamps
Licences and Permits

2. Get Started
Know Your Gear
Choose a Direction
Find Your Style
My Style
Tip: Complementary Colors
Emulate Others
Tip: Finding Your Style
Build Your Portfolio
Exposure Modes
Skip the Automatic Mode
Shoot in Manual Mode
Tip: Semi-Automatic Modes (Sometimes)
Tip: Basic Exposure Settings
Exposure Metering
Center-Weighted Metering
Partial Metering
Spot Metering
Evaluative (Matrix) Metering
White Balance
Automatic White Balance
Outdoor Presets
Indoor Presets
Custom (Manual) White Balance
Tip: White Balance for Creative Effect

3. Outdoor Locations
The Shoot Requirements
Location Scouting
Look Beyond the Obvious
At the Beach
On the Street
In the Backyard
Versatility Is Key
Tip: Posing Aids Increase Variety
Don’t Overlook Simple Backgrounds
Safety First
Tip: What to Look for in a Location

4. Outdoor Lighting Basics
The Amount of Light
The Quality of Light
Hard Lighting
Soft Lighting
Light Quality Sets the Mood
Tip: Add a Diffuser
The Direction of the Light
Front Lighting
Side Lighting
Backlighting
Rim Lighting
Tip: A Reflector with Backlighting
Open Shade
Dappled Light
Overcast Skies
Tip: A Dream Location
Stormy Skies
Tip: Don’t Mess with Lightning
Tip: Thank You, Hurricane Isaac
Reflected Light
Natural Reflectors
Portable Reflectors
Lens Flare
Tip: Postproduction

5. Twelve Hours of Shooting
Sunrise
Tip: Be Prepared
Light on the Subject
Tip: Light on the Background
Exposure Settings
Morning
Add a Reflector
Exposure Settings
Midday
Tip: Try a Storytelling Approach
Find Open Shade
Tip: Head to the Garage
Add a Polarizing Filter
Afternoon
Sunset
Tip: What to Shoot at Sunset

6. Shooting Indoors
The Client’s Home
Tip: Lifestyle Portraits
Settings and Style
Tip: Capturing Emotions
Lighting
Tip: Window Light and Time of Day
Tip: In the Nursery
Use the Porch
Five Looks, One Window
Factors to Consider
Tip: Window Light Considerations
Get Started
Look 1: Split Light
Look 2: Loop Light
Look 3: Rembrandt Light
Look 4: Butterfly Light
Look 5: Broad Light or Short Light

7. Posing to Flatter
Evaluate the Subject in the Light
Tip: Lighting Meets Posing
Give Clear Direction
Look for Shapes and Lines
Create Asymmetry
Look for Shapes
Watch for Posture
Do What Flatters
Tip: Understand Your Client
Incorporate Environmental Elements
With Single Subjects
Use Leading Lines
Tip: Don’t Forget the Hands
Posing Families
Pose to Show Relationships
Relaxed and Natural Is the Goal
Tip: Never Stop Shooting
Compose the Group, The Try Variations
Posing Children
The Child’s Personality
Put Kids at Ease
Tip: Tips to Put Kids at Ease
Do the Parent-Requested Poses First
Lock In Your Camera Settings and
Concentrate on Your Subjects
Tip: Up in the Air
Demonstrate What You Want
Know When to Stop Posing
Tip: Redefine Your Idea of a “Portrait”
Have the Parents Nearby (But
Out of the Way)
Strive for Variety
Spontaneous Moments
Give Gentle Direction
Change Things Up

8. The Business of Business
Plan Costs vs. Income
Know Your Strength and Weaknesses
Set Up Shop
Become a Real Business
Get Insured
Set Up Legal Forms
Manage the Accounting
Order Business Cards
Choose Packaging Supplies
Establish Your Pricing
Spread the Word
Social Media
Blogging
Make Regular Updates
Build Your Brand
Stand Out
Choose Your Logo
Pick the Right Business Name
Consider Your Target Client
Make the Sales
A Service-Based Industry
Hone Your Phone Skills
Tip: Basic Sales Categories
Tip: What Clients Want to Know
In-Person Meetings

Final Thoughts

Index
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