December 23, 2009

Backlighting + Natural Reflection

Ok. Here's a neat trick. You can see the sun/light is behind my son (backlighting), but his face is still nicely exposed AND the background isn't blown out (like it usually is when I expose for faces that are backlit). Wanna know why?

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It's because I have a big, huge, natural reflector right behind me that is lighting his face (ignore my goofy, squinting face --I'm facing straight into the sun --, I just want to show you where I was and what was directly behind me):

canyon reflector


The bright rock acts as a reflector. Look for such reflectors when you're out and about. It can be a large wall, sand, snow, mirrors, slides at parks, etc.

Here's another example of my youngest son climbing on a bright rock. It's reflecting light right back onto him. Natural lighting at its best. :-)

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Orange County Family, Child, & Baby Photographer

9 comments:

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

Good idea. Right now I think my reflector just may be the snow outside:)

Karin said...

Well, that is VERY cool! Thanks for the tip--and for your awesome photos! :)

Anonymous said...

Nice! All our "reflectors" are covered in a very bright WHITE these days, so I may have to wait until spring for more natural-looking light. :)

Beth@Pages of Our Life said...

Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

Irene said...

What a wonderful idea. I don't have the fancy camera or the computer programs, but this idea will work for anyone! Thanks.

The Animator's Wife said...

I'm finding snow works well too! Who knew??? ;)

stellar Kellar rock climbing shot, btw.

Unknown said...

What a great trick. And look at your sweet little climbers. Merry Christmas Susan! Merry, merry Christmas! : )

amy said...

Sweet! Thanks for the tip. I'm a new subscriber to your blog and am thoroughly enjoying it! Merry Christmas.

Keri Bryant said...

Brilliant.
Love all these amazing ideas. So glad I found you thru I heart faces. You are amazing and your DUDES are so cute.
Going to put your button on my own blog right about now.
Happy Monday!!
thanks for all the photography advice. love it.