You’ve probably learned it’s a bad idea to shoot on the beach at noon due to harsh lighting. However, with proper technique using a reflector and the right camera settings, you can get some great shots with soft glow on your model.
In this quick tutorial, photographer Matt Hackney teaches how to get that soft look using a 50mm lens.
Camera settings:
ISO: 400-800
Aperture: 2.8
Shutter: 8000
Lens: 50mm
Even our videographer, Jenn, was able to get great lighting in her filming due to these techniques.
Have questions? Ask in our discussion board:
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Question Asked: When is it best to do beach portraits?
Answer: Typical beach/bikini will be shot in Magic Hour right before sunset. It’s hard to come up with a bad photo at that time. However, I just did a bikini photoshoot at 7am for SGSwimwear & came out with incredible photos. Check some out here:
Was that the whole video ?
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of course you will get soft light since you are back lighted plus the diffusion from the hat.
does the higher ISO increase dynamic range
Man thanks for the vid but the intro is too long
nice !!
Iso 400-800 that's not the best choice is it? I recomend 100 or the lowest your camera goes. Only then can you use the widest aperature.
He already said in the comments here that 400 – 800 ISO helps give photos that glow. It's not a difficult concept. Step outside of convention a bit. This is worth a try.
Did you use a white or silver reflector please??
you need a better microphone
Really!!! 2,8 trough the hole camera,@01:16 how many mm is your camera?
why don't u mention you were using 'reflector', isn't it the key?
With such a model and a setup(location and stuff) I'd get awesome shots even out of my old 20D! The video's good anyway 🙂
some ppl here just don't get it.
iso400 for grain noise 🙂
This video just changed my business! Thank you so much for this helpful information. I moved to the beach last year and I have HATED using flash. I already tested this and it works like a charm – even without a sun hat people… 🙂 Thank you Thank you! http://www.julierennerphotography.com
Geez 400 ISO is nothing, but it sure gets the geeks going. Super tutorial, keep it up 🙂
By increasing the ISO he is also increasing the latitude of the camera better detail on the darks. Noise is always created when recovering shadows no problem here if you expose correctly. ISO 360 is the sweet spot on Canons.
i would have said using the hat was the real key to getting soft light on the face, you know, shadows.
400ISO on a bright day helps give the photo more "glow". Also, a shutter speed this high makes sure the photo is very very sharp so it can be used for commercial publication.
If you can't bump your shutter up that high, then use a lower ISO, but you won't have as dreamy of a look. The problem with 100ISO is that it looks too "real" and you lose some artistic elements, even though it gives you proper lighting.
I have to ask, why are you shooting at 400-800 ISO when 100ISO will do and probably a shutterspeed of 800 or even 2000 as its so bright? There would be little noise if any.
So, the simple answer is: "get your model to wear a sunhat." 🙂
I added a reply with links in the video description. Hope this helps!
is morning better than late afternoon for beach portraits?
Do more dancing videos please! love you.