Lately, I have been doing some studio work in “artificial light” (is there such a thing?). This has inspired me to scrounge natural light a bit more carefully for outdoor portraits. You probably already know that harsh midday sun tends to make “less than desirable” photos.

Shooting in the shade can give you better results right out of the box. But knowing precisely what to look for in a shady area can kick your portraits up another little notch.

What to Look For in Outdoor Portrait Lighting

1. Catchlight in your subjects eyes (white light, preferably reflected, or indirectly hitting your subjects eyes).

2. A good amount of indirect light coming from above.

3. Some “fill light” leaking in from the sides.

Shade to Avoid

1.  Try to avoid all types of shade where you are completely sheltered from a view of the sky, IE under a massive tree, bridge or overpass. Natural-looking light tends to come from above. Look for some diffused light leaking in from above and from the sides.

2. If you do need to use tree shade to escape the harsh sun, get your subject out a bit, just beyond the branches instead of completely under the canopy. This prevents bird “mishaps” as well.

Shade to seek

1. Courtyard shade. This is the kind you find at fancy hotels and restaurants with courtyards. Often, you can get your subject in the shade and you will have some nice light leaking in from above and from the sides. The sky or a white building wall can be your reflected catchlight.

2. Between condo-complex garages (see below).  Bring your portrait clients to a classy location like this one!

Here is the exotic location in which the shot above was taken. This is almost my ideal shaded midday portrait situation. The subject (my kiddo) is in the shade but there is still some light leaking in from above and from all sides.  The garages across the way, which are in full sun, will reflect some light into the scene to fill in the shadows and create a nice catchlight in her eyes. It almost looks like the catchlight a softbox creates in a photo studio. Zoom in tight to crop out the dilapidated garage doors, or pull it back for that  “urban” feeling.

Here is a similar shot I made for some actual paying clients. We were shooting in beautiful La Jolla Cove (north of San Diego). On the way down to the water we paused  in a similar location between two sets of white garage doors. Ironically, the shot by the garage doors was one of my favorites of the day.

Lastly, don’t be shy. Grab your subject and pull them into the “good shade” if you need to!