
Eradicating harsh, ugly shadows from what can be a phenomenal portrait is relativity straightforward. You discover a shaded space, set your digicam to a low aperture of f/2.8, diffuser the sunshine after which let Mom Nature’s mild do the remaining. It truly is that straightforward. Listed here are the steps in additional element on easy methods to take away harsh shadows utilizing pure mild.
Discover a shaded space
Search for an in depth shade treetop cover or an open shade space — a constructing or an object blocking direct daylight — to take away your topic from direct daylight. This solves the issue of harsh mild hitting the topic however shade additionally causes a bluish tint to a picture. Adjusting your digicam’s white stability, utilizing a White Steadiness Reference Card or adjusting the white stability in post-processing will rapidly repair this downside.
Soften and stability the sunshine with a diffuser
Though I moved the topic below a tree, dapples of sunshine shined by way of and trigger unflattering shadows on the topic’s face. Alter the topic the very best you possibly can to take away as many undesirable shadows as you possibly can, then soften and stability the sunshine with a diffuser. It will convert the amount of sunshine to a greater high quality of sunshine.
It’s additionally price mentioning, that mild takes on the colour it bounces off of or shines by way of. If the tree is roofed with thick inexperienced leaves, a greenish tint will spill onto the topic. If this occurs, you might need to search for one other space or keep in mind to repair it in post-processing.
Seek for pockets of shadows
Typically you might not have room for a diffuser to melt the sunshine. If that is so, strive your finest to search for pockets of shadows. Place your topic on this space understanding it’s important to regulate the shadows in submit. If it’s important to get it excellent in digicam, you’ll have to overexpose the picture a bit inflicting the topic to look good however danger a blown-out background. Weigh your choices to find out which one can be extra environment friendly.


These steps sound easy, don’t they? Commit them to reminiscence — or save them as a be aware in your cellphone — then take a check topic out and observe. Quickly, they are going to grow to be second nature and you’ll spend extra time being artistic and fewer time considering technical.