I have excellent "luck" by shooting beach shots near sundown. Sunup would also work out well. But if you must shoot under a high sun, definately use the fill flash. It will take a little experimentation to get it just right, but you can get pretty good results with it. Put the people in the shade so they don't squint as much, but if it could be a subdued shade you'll be better off. Meter for the bright, unshaded areas, but overexposed by about a stop or so (depending on how high the contrast is). Then bring the foreground up to the right level using the TTL flash. You'll get some reflections and hard light from the flash. Some people may prefer to be shot without their glasses for this reason, though arguably glasses are part of a person's look. Choose an aperture that will cast the background somewhat out of focus, however, if you have an attractive background (coastal cliffs, vegitation, etc.) keep just enough depth of field that it will be identifiable. The background isn't really the subject, but provides context for the subject.
The AF500FTZ flash is strong enough to be a great filler. I don't know if you'll have the ability to operate a secondary fill flash as well, but sometimes placing one at the right angle can help to diffuse the characteristic flat look of a flash shot.
Just a few things I find helpful. Probably only half of them are worth following. ;) Have fun!
Igor Roshchin wrote:
Hello!
My in-laws asked me to take some family photos (groups between 2 and 12 people) on the ocean beach before the family wedding selebration in July
(North-Eastern suburbs, Salem/Swampscott, of Boston).
Weather permitting, the photo "session" is planned between 10am and noon.
I am trying to think what I would need for that.
I am going to use a digital camera (*ist DS) that I hope to buy finally in the next 1-2 weeks, and I'll be using my lenses
from ZX-5n, and the flash AF-500FTZ to soften the light if necessary.
I am a bit afraid of large amounts of light coming from the back
(sky + to some extent water). The coastal line goes primarily South-North, with the ocean being
on the east, and the sun being in the S-E part of the sky.
If the weather will be cloudy and grayish, - this in combination with overall flat light would make the pictures flat and colorless. If it will be sunny, I am hoping to be able to
soften the light with the fill-in flash, but thinking if I should get
some reflector that I could set in front of the people.
Any suggestions and/or ideas?
Thank you,
Igor
Igor Roshchin KomKon Sites
