Can you believe these photos were taken within minutes of each other?

Recently someone asked me what I’m most amazed by in nature. My answer- light. Especially since becoming a photographer, here, in Pittsburgh, I notice more than ever how incredible light is. The way it creates highlights & shadows the way it bounces and reflects. I just find it truly awesome. Thank you to my sister, Emily, for being willing to allow me to take these photos to show how different lighting scenarios can really effect the final portrait.

During a Mid-Day Lighting Scenario...

I would always choose to place my client in OPEN SHADE. This provides even light on the subject allowing for the most flattering photo. Scroll to the bottom for my final edit of this photo!

Why I don't love the other options-

• Full Shade: While full shade offers even light, it doesn't offer access to open sky which reflects a more beautiful, clean light back onto the client. Full shade can leave clients with muddy uneven skin tones.
• Backlighting (Mid-day): To be honest I don't mind backlighting during any other time of day but mid-day. Actually I'd say I prefer it. I love getting the sun filtering through some trees behind or at an angle behind my client, but mid-day the sun is directly above or slightly to the side of your subject. In the photo above the sun is high and slightly to the right of the subject which projects uneven highlights and shadows on the client.
• Direct Light: Allowing the sun to directly fall on the front of your client. There are only 2 scenarios where I would use direct light. The first scenario would be if the sun is covered by clouds. The clouds act as a diffuser removing the harsh shadows and highlights that the sun on its own can create. The other scenario would be if I wanted to utilize a certain type of shadow to create a pattern directly onto my client. For instance framing a client within the shadow of a plant positioned to create an artistic leading line (see below). Otherwise, with direct light you will create dark under eye sockets, all of the shadows on the face, and a dark background background.