Make Light Real

Neil May 20th, 2008

Clerissa asks:I am shooting a new wedding in the courtyard Calle Independencia. I haven’t worked much with outdoor weddings and as you can see there won’t be much lighting. So I have a couple questions:

1. What do you think would be the best type of lighting? Should I try and rent something? I have two camera flashes and a couple of strobes. The strobes are not wireless though… but there may be a way to get power to them. There is also a second level I may be able to use to be less invasive. I think there are some places for viewing of the second level.
2. Is there a way to get that same kind of warm effect like you do with the gels on the flashes when shooting outside?
3. Is there a way to make the daytime shots look more warm? I find a lot of outdoor weddings start around 1-2pm and in Arizona the lighting is usually so bright it washes everything out.

Answers from Neil:

1. The best type of lighting is inspired lighting, you don’t need anything but your camera to find inspired lighting - just angles of approach. What controlled lighting can give you - is so many more angles and options to work with. But not forcing the shot when the lighting is so harsh is the first step to seeing more possiblities. Check out my options below for working in harsh outdoor light.
2. A warm effect is not created by gels - a harmonious effect is created by gel on the strobe. If you gel the strobe to the same color temperature of your surroundings, you can process your images in a warm or cool fashion as you are inspired to do so - changing the color temperature will warm the image. So if you’re getting blue tones in your image, try a shade white balance in camera with this icon:
3. As for lighting in bright sun or continuous light of any kind, one way to control your light is with a light panel:

Photoflex LitePanel 39×72″ kit from B+H Photo

If you combine the light panel with direct sun you can produce a blinding amount of light - so, be careful you don’ create squinters. My recommendation to achieve the summery tones in your image is to have your subjects sit in the shade, and then control the sunlight you push in with your panel(s). Taking this approach I’d suggest you ask your clients to get married in a shaded part of the court (if there is one) and then push some gentle sunlight into their ceremony from above with a panel. I know it may seem extreme, but to get unique pictures - that’s what it takes. Here are some panel illuminated shots:

The big benefit for beginners using a panel to redirect sunlight is that you don’t have to second guess your exposure or contrast levels as you will get what you see.

I believe we’re going to have an Arizona Make Light Real workshop in the near future so you can keep your eye on the workshop schedule

• Gear , How To: , Photography Lighting