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Category: Informative Topics on Photographing People

Photography Question 

Sharee M. Keener
 

Using a Backdrop Outdoors


I have been asked to do a shoot outside using a backdrop. It is light gray with a sheer sparkle fabric overlay and a few props. I will be shooting in a shady area with little or no direct sunlight. It is a small youth sports team's homecoming. I am concerned with shadows and overexposed areas of the image due to the uncontrolled environment. Is it possible to get good sellable shots with this shooting condition? If so, how would I go about it?
sincerely, shareebee


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October 13, 2005

 

John G. Clifford Jr
  No direct light means even exposures. As long as the light is sufficient, the photos should turn out okay if you do your job. With only indirect lighting, contrast and overexposure shouldn't be a problem.
You don't tell us what kind of camera you're shooting. If it's digital, then you can take a couple of test exposures and check out the histograms/images for proper exposure. Or, you can always measure exposure off of the light grey background ... or bring an 18% grey card to meter from.
If you have the gear (strobes), then you can always use them and set your exposure so that the available light meters a stop or two darker.
Not a hard problem. Just get out there and spend a few minutes shooting and you'll answer your questions.


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October 14, 2005

 
- Greg McCroskery

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  Sharee,

If you are going to be in complete shade, exposure should be the least of your concerns -- it should be fairly consistent. However, wind could be a nightmare using a backdrop. Will you somehow be sheltered from the wind? If not, you'd better bring some serious anchoring devices. Hope your shoot goes well.

God Bless,
Greg


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October 18, 2005

 
karenemichaels.com - Karen E. Michaels

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  If you are using film, take the polaroids as your tests. No one can control the weather, so, Bricks or slate roof tiles make good anchors, or you may be able to move to the side of a building or dugout. Good luck, and let us know how your work turned out. Peace, karen


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October 18, 2005

 

Sharee M. Keener
  Thanks for all the advice! I am trying to get it moved indoors. I hope everything works out either way.I am using two fairly small umbrella lights with my Canon 10D. do you think I will need any additional flashes? Sharee


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October 18, 2005

 
- Greg McCroskery

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  Sharee,
As long as your lights will allow you to get at least f8 aperture for good depth of field, you should be fine with two -- any more lighting equipment for this kind of a group photo is probably overkill. I regularly shoot large wedding groupings with nothing more than a bracket mounted flash and my clients are more than pleased with the results.
God Bless,
Greg


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October 19, 2005

 
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