How to create shade?

[AggieBecky]

I shoot a lot of portrait photo shoots at a certain park near my house that has a lot of big trees. I like it because I can shoot there in full mid-day sun while my husband holds a beach umbrella up to shade my subject. Well this Tuesday I have a shoot scheduled but my husband can't be there to be my umbrella holder. So, what can I do? Thanks!

 

[AggieBecky]

This is an example of how I like to use the shade and light in this park. Can anyone help with suggestions on how I can achieve shade on my subject without someone to hold my umbrella?

 

[KmH]

You use a diffusion panel held by a stand and arm. Something like this:

Westcott Photo Basics 304 5-in-1 Reflector Kit

The stand in that kit goes up 7.5 feet and you will want weights to keep the stand from tipping over.
Valeo AW10 10-Pound Adjustable Ankle / Wrist Weights

 

[AggieBecky]

Okay, so I have a stand with a shoot through umbrella. Will that work to hold a diffusion panel? If so, is this what I need? Amazon.com: Fotodiox 5-in-1 42" Premium-Grade Professional Collapsible Disc Reflector: Electronics And how do I know which one isn't used to reflect light on my subject but rather just for shade? Obviously I don't know anything about these so I really appreciate the help!

 

[480sparky38 37]

Wait.... huh?

What happened to deleting the image and the mandatory admonishment about posting images that aren't yours?

 

[AggieBecky]

What do you mean? I never posted an image that isn't mine.

 

[AggieBecky]

BTW, my shoot Tuesday is of a 2 year old so I don't need a really tall stand. As long as the umbrella stand I have will hold it up.... and your suggestion about the weights is a great one! I already have some weights just like those.

 

[table1349]

Have you thought about shooting during the golden hours instead of harsh mid-day sun? Just a thought.

 

[480sparky38 37]

What do you mean? I never posted an image that isn't mine.

I don't get it.... why are you posting an image that's yours asking how to make an image like that?

 

[AggieBecky]

Read my original post, 480.

I shoot during the golden hour a lot too but in this situation the mom said the 2 year old would likely get cranky later and it works best with my schedule too because then I don't have to find childcare for my own children. I like to have the option of shooting during other times of the day as well.

 

[Derrel]

I would look into something significantly larger and better-designed. Like a rectangular "panel", affixed to two C-stands. Using scrims to diffuse DAYLIGHT sunshine is how the Hollywood movie business started, and it's still a high-end professional technique. If you want to know more, do some searches on "lighting with scrims", and maybe check out the Scrim Jim and California Sunbounce web sites for ideas on WHAT sizes are out there. As far as light stands go...look at C-stands for sure.

California Sunbounce has dozens and dozens of videos here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/CaliforniaSunbounce/videos

 

[KmH]

Okay, so I have a stand with a shoot through umbrella. Will that work to hold a diffusion panel? If so, is this what I need? Amazon.com: Fotodiox 5-in-1 42" Premium-Grade Professional Collapsible Disc Reflector: Electronics And how do I know which one isn't used to reflect light on my subject but rather just for shade? Obviously I don't know anything about these so I really appreciate the help!

Yes but you also need an arm to hold the diffusion panel part that is in the middle of the reflector covers and the right bracket to go on your stand to hold the arm.

 

[AggieBecky]

I understand, KmH. Thank you!

Derrel, the scrims look huge. It might be something I consider in the future but as it is, I already tend to feel like I'm hauling a lot of gear (while chasing toddlers around) that anything big and cumbersome like that just doesn't look too appealing at the moment. Thank you for the suggestion though.

 

[Trever1t]

I shoot alone. At any time of day. or night. I never have a modifier. Look at the light. look at your backgrounds. Place your subjects in the light, with sun behind them.