Shadows in Bright Sun in Arizona?

Question

Shadows in Bright Sun in Arizona
I live in Tucson, Arizona very bright Sun outdoor pictures only where as example half a lawn is in the Sun and the other half is in shadow I am tying to figure out how big a reflector I will need or do I need more than one?

Answer 1

You need to shoot at another time of day when the lighting is not as contrasty. Check out the lawn in early am and late afternoon when the light is not so glaringly bright. Anytime after 9 am until 4/5 pm light is very strong, which results in hard shadows. This results in the exposure issue of no details in either the highlight or the shadows. Shoot earlier in the day if possible, or wait until the golden hour just before the sun sets.



To bounce light with reflectors you would need huge ones like they use on film sets. This is not practical.



EDIT: Thanks for the info - I also shoot landscapes and the above method is tried and true. Don't shoot landscape at midday - the light is harsh and very contrasty. Get out of bed early early early and shoot the first light of the day. Then go do something else (process your images?) until sunset and shoot at the last light of day. This is the best time for landscape.

Answer 2

Shoot when the sun is low. Evening or morning.



You don't need a reflector for landscape photography - it won't make any difference in any case.



If you are doing portraits try and find a shaded area, or wait until the sun is lower - use fill flash if necessary. You can use a reflector for portraits - since you rarely shoot protraits, a piece of white card will do the job fine.

Answer 3

I too live in Tucson, Picture Rocks. Saguaro West is my backyard (really) but your question is puzzling... If your a "mostly Landscape, wild life and nature shots" there is no way a reflector is going to do you any good unless your doing "close-ups" of nature, Indian Petroglyph's, cacti blooms, some wildflowers, etc....

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So my question is.. Just what IS your question..??

Answer 4

Depends on whether you are shooting scenery or people. If people, and you must shoot during the bright sunny day, then I would suggest putting their backs to the sun and using your Flash on the Flash-fill setting.

You can also use a white sheet, just lay it on the ground in front of your subjects (again, with their backs to the sun).