outdoor portraits

rgdigrgdig Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
edited August 9, 2006 in Technique
Hello! I'm new here and have a few questions regarding camera settings for outdoor portrait photography.
I've always shot indoors with controlled lighting using manual settings.
What is the best route for professional looking outdoor portraits? I have a Canon 20D. Do I want to stay in manual mode? Because I've also read that using AV is the best bet.
Something else I've read is that a general rule of thumb regarding ISO is that 100 is for sunny bright days and 400 is generally good for indoors.
If I'm shooting outdoors, but in the shade for even light, is there a a "good" ISO setting?
Thanks for any info that might help me out! There is a lot more to this than I expected! :)

Comments

  • StevenVStevenV Registered Users Posts: 1,174 Major grins
    edited July 31, 2006
    [not an expert]
    hope for a slightly overcast day or get 'em in the shade; I prefer reflected light rather than the high ("harsh") contrast between sunlight and shadows. pick a better background than I had there (I wasn't primary, didn't get to choose).

    As for ISO, it's always a balance between ISO, Shutter and Aperature. Depends on what you want; for people I usually want a reasonably fast shutter and a good depth of focus... but that could all change for the next shot
    -Steven
    my words, my "pro"pictures, my "fun" pictures, my videos.

  • trossnageltrossnagel Registered Users Posts: 63 Big grins
    edited August 1, 2006
    Steven says he's not an expert, but his advice is dead-on...thumb.gif

    Stay in the shade and you should do well.

    I would also consider some fill-flash, it helped out this group shot...we were in the shade (which provides very even, soft lighting on your subject) and I fired off a diffused flash...just enough to brighten the scene...

    Of course, you can't control the wind! :):

    78398766-M.jpg
  • rgdigrgdig Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited August 3, 2006
    Thank you!
    Thank you for your advice! I appreciate it. The beach picture is very nice- I hope for nice even lighting like that.
    Thanks again!
  • rgdigrgdig Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited August 3, 2006
    Thanks!
    Thanks! I appreciate this info and it helped to see those pictures. An overcast day would be nice!
    StevenV wrote:
    [not an expert]
    hope for a slightly overcast day or get 'em in the shade; I prefer reflected light rather than the high ("harsh") contrast between sunlight and shadows. pick a better background than I had there (I wasn't primary, didn't get to choose).

    As for ISO, it's always a balance between ISO, Shutter and Aperature. Depends on what you want; for people I usually want a reasonably fast shutter and a good depth of focus... but that could all change for the next shot
  • photobugphotobug Registered Users Posts: 633 Major grins
    edited August 9, 2006
    Another suggestion -- have the subject(s) look away from, not toward, the sun. Looking anywhere toward the sun causes squinting, and you know how that looks in photos.

    If they must face in the direction of the sun, have someone shade them from it enough that they stop squinting.


    Also, you might review two earlier threads where DGrin'ers posted to help yours truly with an outdoor portrait: And another one that also contained useful info:
    Canon EOS 7D ........ 24-105 f/4L | 50 f/1.4 | 70-200 f/2.8L IS + 1.4x II TC ........ 580EX
    Supported by: Benro C-298 Flexpod tripod, MC96 monopod, Induro PHQ1 head
    Also play with: studio strobes, umbrellas, softboxes, ...and a partridge in a pear tree...
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