Featured Article

Outdoor Portraits

Portraiture can conjure up intimidating images of swanky studios, complete with infinity coves, beauty dishes and metering systems. This month, however, DCE is setting out to prove that all you need is a willing model, a camera and photo-friendly weather to obtain some great results. 

Some of the most striking portraits are taken outdoors, as the uncontained environment can help models to relax and ultimately produce naturally beautiful images. However, it’s not as easy as taking a trip to the park with your camera and model in tow. Lighting is difficult to control and without careful consideration and planning, you can end up with unflattering images of squinting models with harsh shadows.

In this month’s detailed guide, we will take you through all the important aspects of outdoor portraiture, including lighting, aperture, composition and more. Everyone enjoys being outside in great weather, especially children, so there’s even a section dedicated to photographing youngsters.

As well as an abundance of top tips, you will discover the essential portraiture skills that you can take with you into the studio, as well as the need-to-know facts for photographing outdoors like a pro. Take advantage of the summer months and don’t restrict yourself to staying indoors.

Check list

What you’ll need

• Camera - Manual settings are preferable
• Reflector - To eradicate shadows 
• Black umbrella - Create your own shade 

Skills you’ll learn

• Lighting and location
  Manipulate the weather to your advantage
• Aperture and composition
  Optimum settings and framing

Lighting and location

Lying in a bed of flowers, propped up against a leafy tree or braving the surf on a sandy beach – apart from adding interest, the location you select for your outdoor shots can tell a narrative. Make sure you pick a place that conveys to the viewer something about the model you are photographing. If this is a family member or a friend, your insider knowledge should serve you well. If not, then ask them to bring a prop that demonstrates their interests.

For example, would a graffiti-smothered skate park represent the model’s passion for urban fashion and music? Or is she a hippy at heart, who would be most comfortable pictured in a fairytale-like woodland? Keep it simple and look for patterns, such as brick walls or clusters of flowers, so as to not detract from your subject. Aperture settings need to be considered, as this can greatly enhance the power of your portraits. Lighting is also a major component in snapping a successful shot, so a reflector or flash is a must. Have a look at our dos and don’ts for inspiration.

Shade

Overcast days are ideal for portraiture, as clouds act as a giant
softbox, diffusing light and preventing harsh, directional shadows. Seek shade if possible and avoid arranging a shoot for midday, when the sun is at its highest. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal.

 Without shade 

A common misconception is that the sun should always be behind the photographer, but this makes for a squinting model. When the sun is just behind the model, it can create attractive highlights in the hair. To avoid underexposure, shoot with the flash turned on.

Without reflector

Unless the sun is directly head-on, heavy shadows will be cast on one side of the face. A reflector is a must for outdoor portraits and it’s easy to create your own. Just cut out the side panel of a box, glue some foil or white paper over it and you have a DIY reflector.

Aperture & composition

A powerful portrait draws the viewer’s eyes to the model. Hold their attention by ensuring your model is looking into the lens and use a wide aperture. This blurs the background, enhancing focus on the subject. The aperture is the diameter of the lens opening and is measured in f-stops, or f-numbers. The higher the f-number, the smaller the diameter of the aperture. Therefore less light hits the sensor when the shutter release is pressed, and vice versa.

On a DSLR, the most direct way of controlling the aperture is by setting the camera to Aperture Priority (indicated by an ‘A’ on the Mode dial). This will enable you to set the aperture to suit your desired effect. A shallow depth of field is most appropriate for portraiture as the background will be rendered out of focus, so use a small f-stop eg f2. Conversely, a large depth of field is more suited to landscape photography, so a large aperture value should be used, eg f22.

Composition

Is it a full body shot you’re after, a mid-shot, or a classic headshot? Is that headshot going to be a close-up, or an extreme close-up? There are countless options and angles that you as the photographer have to choose from. To help you decide, you need to consider what it is that you’re trying to communicate.

The model should always be the main object of attention in a portrait. With outdoor portraiture, the photographer must take note of what is around the subject. Avoid snapping pictures of people with street lamps appearing out of their heads, for example.

Full-length

This is particularly suited to fashion portraits, where the aim is to flaunt an ensemble. Use the scenery to your advantage and look for interesting doorways or staircases to frame the model. Don’t feel restricted by taking shots at eye level only. Low angles can add drama, while making the model appear powerful as she peers down at the viewer.

Mid-shot

Look for leading lines that will direct the viewer’s eyes to the model. You don’t have to follow the rule of thirds, either. Experiment with placing your model at opposite ends of the image, which can work effectively to give the subject space to look into if their gaze is off-centre.

Headshot

A headshot is commonly used in portraiture, often including the head 

and shoulders of the sitter. It’s best to keep the eyes in the upper third of the image, as this is the most natural spacing. Play around with the direction that the model is looking. Staring straight at the lens can arrest the viewer’s attention, while gazing off into the distance can add an element
of mystery.

 Extreme close-up

Don’t be afraid to zoom in close to the model and fill the frame with their face – the photograph is about them, after all. Capturing the subject’s character is crucial, so try snapping candid moments such as when the model is laughing naturally. Extreme close-ups can amplify emotions and can prompt intrigue in the viewer.

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