So Tip 3 is a tip for almost all portrait photography-finding even light.
Photography is the art of light and while adding drama with light is an art form, finding even light is the first step for making great portraits.
What’s even light? Light “without speckles” is the easiest way I know to say it. Littles don’t always give you the option of posing but you can control where you put them so they don’t have speckles on them anywhere that will show up in the photo.
“Even light” happens almost everywhere as the last light of the day. You know when the sun is almost setting and the shadows get long, the crickets start chirping and the you see the first fireflies twinkle. Golden gorgeous light. It’s why it’s so amazing to meet you in the late afternoon for photos!
But golden hour is also cranky time for a lot of littles, so let’s look for other options. A second favorite option for the most even light is in “open shade” of a grove of large trees. Ever wonder why so many kids are standing beside a tree in their photos? Big free tip- you can actually accomplish the light without including the tree.
Another favorite spot is a glorious porch! One where you love to linger in a swing or rocker, drink lemonade, and escape the heat of the summer sun. Any covered area will offer the same evenly lit option.
The next one may surprise you -full sun! Full sun is actually even also, if they are positioned in a way that they aren’t squinting and aren’t casting shadows on themselves.
One tip about light is one specific spot can have several types of light, depending on which angle you’re shooting from. So if your little is playing and you see speckles of light dancing across them that you don’t want, move you instead of them. See how repositioning yourself can give you an entirely different light.
I hope this helps. Have fun!
Stay Safe!
Kim