Have you ever heard of open shade? Well, let me tell you that it is your friend! Our family photos are usually dictated by the time of day that an event happens. Have you ever taken pictures at you child's soccer game at noon or 2 o'clock in the afternoon and they were less than impressive? The harsh light and strong shadows are more than likely to blame.
Open Shade
Open shade is the sweet spot between dark shade and harsh light. Try this: Go outside in mid afternoon, take a picture in full sun. Now, step just inside of your garage, porch or even the shade of a building. Step just behind the line on the ground between shade and sun. Now take a picture. Yep, you've found the sweet spot. Be careful when standing your subject in the shade of a tree, because there can be mottled shade there. You don't want a picture with bright spots on your subject's face.
I see this all the time. How many photos do you have that look like the first example below? Well, with a little planning they are easy to avoid. Look for open shade and use it!
These two photos were taken within minutes of each other. See the difference? They were taken in the afternoon when the light from the sun was still pretty harsh. The picture below was taken when I moved my subjects into open shade. They are well lit with less distracting shadows.
Try it and let me know how it works out for you. I think you'll find that your family photos will be very much improved.
Vicki~
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