Shooting Outdoors with Artificial Light

Have you ever wanted to shoot outdoors with artificial light but weren't sure how to go about it? Shooting outdoors with artificial light can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right techniques and equipment, you can create stunning portraits in any outdoor setting. In this article, we'll cover the basics of shooting outdoors with artificial light and how to get the most out of it.

When shooting outdoors with artificial light,

it's important to understand the basics of light and how it interacts with your subject. Understanding the fundamentals of light will help you create stunning portrait shots.

Next, you'll need to consider the type of light source you'll use for your outdoor shoots. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a variety of artificial light sources such as strobes, LED lights, and speedlights. Each type of light has its own unique characteristics that can help create stunning portrait shots. When shooting outdoors with artificial light, it's important to consider the direction of the light source. Depending on the direction of the light source, you can create different effects with your portraits.

For example, if you want to create a dramatic look, you may choose to position the light source behind your subject and use a reflector to fill in the shadows. On the other hand, if you want to create a more natural look, you may opt for a soft light source that's placed off to one side of your subject. Another important factor when shooting outdoors with artificial light is color temperature. Different color temperatures can affect the overall look of your portrait shots. For example, warmer temperatures such as tungsten or incandescent will give your portraits a more natural feel while cooler temperatures such as daylight will give your portraits a more vibrant look. Finally, it's important to consider the intensity of the light when shooting outdoors with artificial light.

Depending on the intensity of the light source, you can create different effects with your portraits. For example, if you want to create a soft look, you may opt for a lower intensity light source while if you want to create a more dramatic look, you may opt for a higher intensity light source. Once you understand the basics of lighting and how it interacts with your subject, it's time to start experimenting with different techniques and equipment when shooting outdoors with artificial light.

Using Speedlights

Speedlights are another popular type of artificial light source used in portrait photography. They are compact and easy to use but can also produce powerful results when used correctly.

When using speedlights for outdoor shoots, it's important to consider the direction of the light source as well as the intensity and color temperature. By carefully manipulating the angle of the light, you can create a more interesting and dynamic portrait. Additionally, you can adjust the intensity to match the ambient light or to create a more dramatic effect. Lastly, you can modify the color temperature of the light to ensure it matches the natural light around you.

Using LED Lights

LED lights are becoming increasingly popular in portrait photography due to their versatility and affordability.

When using LED lights for outdoor shoots, it's important to consider the color temperature and intensity of the light source. Generally speaking, lower temperatures will provide a more natural look, while higher temperatures can give your portraits an edgy, modern feel. Additionally, LED lights typically require an external power source, such as a battery or generator. One of the great advantages of LED lights is their adjustable intensity. You can easily adjust the brightness level to match the existing light conditions.

This makes it possible to use LED lights in a wide variety of lighting scenarios, including low light environments. Additionally, LED lights are much more energy efficient than traditional lighting sources, so they can save you money in the long run. When using LED lights for outdoor shoots, it's important to be aware of how shadows can affect your images. LED lights tend to produce sharper shadows than traditional lighting sources, so you may need to use a diffuser or fill light to soften them. Additionally, if you're shooting in bright sunlight, you may want to opt for a higher color temperature to counteract the warm tones.

Using Strobes

Strobes are one of the most popular types of artificial light sources used in portrait photography.

They are powerful and can be used to create dramatic effects in your portraits. When using strobes for outdoor shoots, it's important to remember that they require additional equipment such as stands and modifiers. Additionally, depending on the type of strobe being used, they may require an external power source.

Stands

are essential when using strobes outdoors as they provide the necessary support and stability. Additionally, it's important to make sure that the stands are secure and won't fall over due to wind or other environmental conditions.

Modifiers are used to control the light from a strobe and create different looks. Softboxes, umbrellas, snoots, and grids are all commonly used modifiers when shooting with strobes outdoors.

Power Sources

are also necessary when using strobes outdoors. Depending on the type of strobe, you may need a battery or a generator.

Battery-powered strobes are great for location shoots as they don't require an external power source, however they do have shorter battery life. Generators are also useful as they provide a more reliable power source but can be bulky and expensive. When shooting outdoors with artificial light, there are many techniques and equipment that can be used to create stunning portrait shots. From using strobes and LED lights to speedlights, understanding the fundamentals of lighting and experimenting with different techniques and equipment can help you create beautiful portrait shots. Taking the time to understand these concepts and experiment with different techniques and equipment will yield the best results when shooting portraits outdoors with artificial light.

By taking the time to understand the basics of lighting and experimenting with different techniques and equipment, you can create beautiful portrait shots.