Taking Senior Photos on Sunny Day --- Tips!?

Question

I've heard sunny days aren't best for photos but it's really the only day we have. What are some ways to make the best out of the situation? BTW it's me and my friend who was a photography major, so letting the professional handle it is not an option. :\

Answer 1

shooting outside on a sunny day is not good no matter what. you eyes will be squinted no matter what. take it inside in front of something you like or hang a bed sheet on the wall for a backdrop. i am a photographer but i am just starting out and i dont have the money for all the backdrops  so i do that and take the pictures with nikon d40 dslr.

Answer 2

Move into open shade, right to the edge...it's called the penumbra. That's the best place to take your portraits on a sunny day. I wish Pooky would answer, he's the master of this! Use a larger aperture to soften the background.

Any way...here's Pooky's site

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pook...

Answer 3

Is it possible to wait until later in the day?  I needed to get pics of my son on a bright day for a project.  I put him in the shade of a willow tree so he wasn't so blinded from the sun, but I still had the sun behind me.  I used a fill flash and the pictures came out great!  Good luck!

Answer 4

i think sunny days are good for photos as long as you're facing the sun. you can close your eyes and then open them right before the picture is taken. like, say "1, 2, 3 *open your eyes" (so the photographer knows to take it). i'm pretty sure that if you're not facing the sun then you will appear very dark and shadowy.

Answer 5

I personally do NOT like overly sunny days for Senior photo shoots.  A thin light cloud cover is ideal, as it reduces squinting and casts a more even light.  If you are taking pictures in a garden or in the fall, the foliage and flowers will look much more distinct and colorful on slightly overcast days.  The light of  a slightly overcast day works as a natural umbrella and reflector that would be used in a studio setting, and provides more flattering light to the features.  

Answer 6

The subject must be facing the sun.

Sometimes makes squinting a problem.

If they can partially face the sun....

depending on time of day...

you shouldn't get too many shadows.

You'd be surprised how well black & white

film captures bright sunlight.

Have fun.