Laws of Light: Shooting in Direct Sun

Shooting portraits in direct sun can give you harsh results. We'll show you how to get the best images at your location.

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GEAR USED:

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Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.

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[ItsDrPancakes]

This was a really, simple, direct, no-nonsense video on light.. I loved it.

[danielsahagun]

Probably the best YouTube tutorial on Laws of Light. brief, straight to the point, various samples shots, differences between various light situation. I learned a new tricks I've never heard before!. Tutorial than most on YouTube. Thanks Dear Teacher

[tomkirkendall]

I live in the Northwest....What is direct sun?? :-)

[saketgyani]

Just use an ND filter when using non synch lights in the last lighting scenario and you can stop down to fully open up the aperture if that's the look you're going for.
Simple solution.

[jimphotoman]

At the end of last year's summer I bought a 15 foot beach umbrella that I mounted to a grocery cart (that I use to haul my lighting gear in outdoor shoots). In direct sun, I open the umbrella, put it between the sun and my subject, use two shoot through umbrellas (weighted down!--the weights are part of my lighting gear, in the shopping cart), and the results are great. For $7.50 (US), I have instant shade wherever and whenever I need it.

[vickievik]

Respected Mr. Morgan . A lot of thanks for these valueable tutorials on youtube for us. Its an honor to learn from a MASTER A LEGEND of photography Like you.

[sidvicious]

I absolutely love your presentation and your passion can be felt. Keep up the good work and I'm glad that I found your channel and you are right about shooting at 2.8, in the sun, you have to have highspeed sync in strobe or flash to shoot wide open.

[looneyfarm]

You make learning entertaining and fun. I love your teaching style. ♥

[b]

It’s amazing how much the entry level photographer is frightened by off-camera flash. When they want to improve the quality of their outdoor portraits they would rather pay $1500 for a portrait lens than simply pop for an inexpensive flash & modifier. If they will give a flash a try and allow themselves to make mistakes they will easily gain an understanding of how it works.

[kaziulaz]

Will be even better in on screen you will also display camera settings when this photo was taken 4:35 ..wow..it is not damage sensor ?!!! .... (Noises at black photo with extreeme iso not skyhigh?!.... I thing my a7s2 is damaged just by overexposure picture to be white

[dianaa]

this is the best video on youtube about this. Thank you for the crash course.

[atolk]

Thank you for the video! I would like to shoot with an assistant every time, but the reality is I can't. Can you explain or maybe share a link to how the reflector attaches at the 4:42 mark? The reflector you use is not cheap, does the price include the stand that you are using, or is that all separate? Thanks!

[uncleanAlibertine]

lovely video thank u verz much. strobe is feathered here?

[erics.]

Just did a shoot today, first time shooting in the Florida sun at high noon. Not my best work, but this video has given me a couple of adjustments to make for next time.

[jamilgotcher]

You're a true professional and I trust your tips. I have an upcoming shoot where they want to do a poolside photoshoot and I asked her if the pool is ever in the shade or is it in entirely in the direct sun. It looks like it's in direct sun. I'm trying to figure out what time of day to schedule the photoshoot. I think I'd like to start later in the day so we would have time for hair and makeup but I don't know, it gets hotter later in the day. So many things to think about. I know enough to know I want to bring an off camera flash and the scrim thing you used. I was also wondering about high speed sync. I might have to borrow my Dad's high speed sync strobe. I am going to have my daughter assist me, the client said she doesn't want a big crew.

[karlozbg]

As always great tips, quick, fast, concise and useful...

[rebeccaclark]

Wow! I luved this video! I can't wait to get out and try it!

[mikesmultimedia]

Great material to review when going to do field work under these conditions. I like the practical breakdown such as remarks pertaining to things like needing either more gear or extra people. The video does emphasize what to do in either conditions with or without extra gear. What I like is the truth telling about shooting on location - very unglamorous. Also demonstrates no matter how good an iphone shot can be, the laws of physics will prevail. That is, there is no easy "App" on the phone to diffuse harsh sunlight.

[tristanwilhelm]

Awesome video! I much prefer using the sun as background and hss with parapop 38 inch Octobox and evolv200lights

[effdisish]

Love your videos. Simple and easy to learn