Outdoor Photoshoot Tips....

[Arcusmedia]

First off Thanks to everyone for all the Advice... ( good or bad ) It has helped me become a better photographer.

I have a Bikini Shoot on a Local lake in 2 weeks.

The problem is I do not have extra hands or funds to buy a scrim Jim or something to diffuse the sunlight.

any advice on how to avoid blown out portraits and shooting in the Direct sun.

Will be using the following gear.

Cannon 40d w/ 50mm 1/8th
Vivatar 285 fill flash ( if needed )
42 inch Reflector with Arm. ( Silver or gold depending on the girl )

Any tips or advice would be appreciated.

[Flores]

plan to shoot for an hour right at dawn?

[Arcusmedia]

forgot to mention that....

We are shooting from Dawn to dusk over 50 ladies... So some will be at sunrise some during the day and some during sunset....

[deputy50]

Try using an aperture of f/8 or smaller and a shutter speed fast enough to expose for the background. Also, HCE and equivalent photography stores sell softboxes that work very well on speedlights for softening light while you try and use the flashes as main fill. I would position the ladies so their facing away from the sun and trying an ND filter or polarizing filter may help as well. It's hard to say sometimes when not at the location, but go in with a smile and enjoy yourself. Make sure you shoot in raw to help with corrections. I would add, that if you have difficulties with over exposure, make sure it isn't too much or there will be some issues with recovering some areas of the picture.

Hopefully this helps a bit and good luck.
If you like, check out our site at www.perfectsilhouettephotography.com and look through some of our daytime images. With bridals and sports we often get stuck shooting in open sunlight.

[Arcusmedia]

I do not have filters but might be able to get some... and I have a Mini Softbox for the flash :)

[deputy50]

Try to find a store that sells the Cheetah softbox. They come in 16" and 24" sizes. They work very well. Hope this helps.