How to get a sun-shiny, illuminated picture like the pros take.. =)

[Lyns06]

I'm going to assume that there are many factors in the reply to this questions, but going as basic or as complicated as you like, could you tell me how to get that "illuminated" shot that photographers get?

I can often see it with my eye, but getting the camera to capture it is another thing. Any advice? Is this more of a camera issue or editing? Thanks!

 

[cgipson1]

illuminated? Do you mean properly exposed? Why don't you post some links to some photos that exhibit what you are speaking of?

 

[PhotoWrangler]

Or do you mean that warm sun flared look?

 

[paigew]

Both of these are backlit and shot at the 'golden hour'.

 

[KmH]

I think the OP means a strongly backlit shot.

To balance the bright back lighting the photographer has to use strobed light in front of the subject (on the shaded side of the subject) so the subject isn't just a silouette.

A pro would use a light meter, or experience to measure/guestimate how much back lighting there is (incident light), and use that info to set the power level of the strobed light (flash).

Someone that doesn't have a light meter or much experience making that kind of a photo can use trial and error and looking at the histogram/photo on the rear LCD to determine an acceptable combination of back and fore lighting.

 

[Lyns06]

That's exactly what I was looking for. The "strong backlit" shot that you're talking about is what I'm aiming for. My problem was that whenever my eye would see the backlight, my camera would the backlight and a silhouette on the subject.

So, would you suggest I get an external flash? The only flash I have right now is the internal one. If so, what exactly do I look for in one? Any suggestions.

Any other suggestions for how to get the kind of shot in the images above. The poster said something about the "golden hour;" I'm assuming that is morning and evening? Is this correct? Thanks, guys!

 

[2WheelPhoto]

That's exactly what I was looking for. The "strong backlit" shot that you're talking about is what I'm aiming for. My problem was that whenever my eye would see the backlight, my camera would the backlight and a silhouette on the subject.

So, would you suggest I get an external flash? The only flash I have right now is the internal one. If so, what exactly do I look for in one? Any suggestions.

Any other suggestions for how to get the kind of shot in the images above. The poster said something about the "golden hour;" I'm assuming that is morning and evening? Is this correct? Thanks, guys!

Yes - Off camera flash will produce best results

 

[cgipson1]

You should have said FaceBook PRO's (rather than just pro's)... I would have known what you were talking about! This look is really popular with that ilk!

and yes... Flash is a good idea!

 

[TamiAz]

I would do a search on You Tube for videos on off camera flash..You'll find a bunch of information. This is something I'm currently working on.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

yeah...basic rundown:

 

[Lyns06]

Thanks so much, guys! You're incredibly helpful! And, yes perhaps Facebook Pro.. but I think it's still pretty and leaps and bounds ahead of my work. =)

 

[Dao]

A big reflector also help in case like that.

 

[paigew]

Any other suggestions for how to get the kind of shot in the images above. The poster said something about the "golden hour;" I'm assuming that is morning and evening? Is this correct? Thanks, guys!

The images I posted were done without a flash/reflector. I spot metered for the subjects skin.

In photo#1 my settings were f2.5, ss 1/400, iso 100. In the family shot it was f4; ss 1/250; iso 200.

The golden hour refers to the hour after sunrise and before sunset when the sun is low in the sky providing light that is softer.

 

[Stradawhovious]

If the pros are doing it, you can almost bet there is off camera lighting or reflectors supplementing the ambient. It can be done without those however, but from what I've seen mostly with mixed results and the aide of pretty obvious overprocessing in PS, or losing lots of detail in the subject.

YMMV, as will the opinion of many folks you talk to.

My vote is for OCF.

 

[Lyns06]

Thanks! Any direction on the type of OCF? I've not even begun to look at what's out there. Are there any features that are necessary or are they all pretty run-of-the-mill. I would of course look for something nice, but I have no intentions of becoming pro nor do I need equipment of that par. Thanks guys, you're priceless. I've got a feeling I'm going to learn a lot here.