Taking photos with naturally occurnig reflectors
I think most photographers avoid shooting in a full sun, because doing so produces those harsh facial shadows, not to mention that direct sun makes people squint and frown, what doesn’t always look flattering in the photographs.
One easy way around, is to shoot while your subject is in the shadow. Particularly if you are lucky enough to be taking photos in the area where there is a lot of natural shadows, like in urban and built up areas. One can always help the situation by placing subject into an evenly shaded are in the path of naturally reflected light. The same principle applies when shooting in more open space. One can always look for white or beige reflective surface, like wall or a gate or a large vehicle like lorry or van. Between choosing to turn the subjects towards the sun, or to shoot the back lit photo, personally I would prefer to go for a back lit portrait and just ad 1.5 stops to compensate for darker face. Using the natural reflectors would save you lumbering and setting up all the additional kit, and shorter set up time will certainly make the photographed person more relaxed.
Using the natural reflectors will give you confidence to take on more shooting situations and would certainly make you proud of results.
Hendon Way Spirals - photo with Panasonic Lumix GH1
