Introduction

Outdoor lighting is a very mass topic in the photography world and fashion lighting uses are even bigger topic. It is very important to understand both of them well to create a good image. Dependency of lighting in photography on multiple things makes it vast, so today in this blog we will discuss what things we should pay attention to while doing outdoor lighting.We will also discuss additional tips and tools for best outcome in outdoor fashion photography lighting tips.

Natural light 

As a beginner we always underestimate potential of outcomes from natural light and try to invest more in artificial lights or flashes.But the reality is with right technique and sharp/clear vision one can create beautiful images with natural light.Sharp clear here means individual should have clarity of vision of final output like exposure(low or high key) , depth of field , white balance etc. which will happen only with few years of practices and when you start looking for light/shadow keenly hence better understanding of light.

• Golden hour – Time just after sun rise or just before sunset is good source of natural warm soft light , It is most popular and widely used lighting across the global industry.
• Time– Sun’s timing plays a major role in lighting because the direction of the sun changes with timing, mid day direct sunlight is usually avoided when the sun’s placement is overhead which creates harsh unpleasant shadows.With advance methods or applications it can be fixed but for beginner it should be avoided.Utilising shade regions with bounce light from any white surfaces , walls , buildings , clothes can also create good soft light.
• Creative Pattern – Place any object  in front of sun light to cut light and create slice of light or creative patterns , since the direct sunlight is very hard will create strong intense pattern.

Light and Shadow

Another very important aspect of outdoor photography lighting is to understand fall of light and shadow with your keen eye.It can help to create contrast , lighting compositions and great depth of field in the frame.
For example – Imagine a subject placed directly in front of sunlight with soft glow light on face and in the background  there is a big tree which is under shade because of a huge building stopping the light falling on the tree which makes it look darker . Here the sun is our main light , building is acting as a cutter(black square shape used in studio) and tree is our background with a subject facing direct sun a bit angular side.Thus naturally creating beautiful contrast and depth because of separation of light between subject and tree.
Note: Put a daily habit of intentionally finding light and shadow occurring by the fall of sunlight in the outdoor and  try to frame it with the mind’s eye.This will ultimately also help you in understanding studio lighting.

Reflectors and Scrims

The basic yet most useful tools in case of outdoor lighting , sometimes a big productions shoot is done just by one large scrim.
5 in one reflector is another basic , light weight, portable tool to create stunning results which even works well as fill light for a commercial shoots if used with right technique.

Note : Always try to reflect light from upward to down direction with the help of reflector or use it as a  fill light.5 in 1 reflector is also very popular in cinema world because of it’s light weight and multiple uses.

Studio lights

It can be used to create high end dramatic results in fashion photography it is very popular and widely used style.
Ideally artificial lights in outdoor were used to use in cases where light is needed to overcome sun light but with the emerging digital industry and modern styles of photography it is used massively.
The biggest advantage of using natural light with artificial light simultaneously is the scope of creativity becomes limitless and control the light in a battery way to acquire thousand of possible desired look or results.Photographers can reduce the unpredictable nature of natural light by using artificial lighting to highlight the subject’s features and provide consistent illumination. Because studio lights may be adjusted for intensity, direction, and colour temperature, photographers can create dynamic compositions that highlight the beauty of the outer environment and accentuate the model’s presence. Studio lights take outdoor fashion photography to new levels of creativity and professionalism, whether it’s a dramatic, directing lighting for a bold, high-fashion statement or a soft, diffused glow for a dreamy, ethereal appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

You may take your work to the next level by being proficient with outdoor fashion photography lighting. Captivating and visually arresting fashion photographs may be achieved by paying attention to the backdrop and shadows, utilising equipment like diffusers and reflectors, and learning the subtleties of natural light. In every outdoor fashion shot, try out new approaches, appreciate the beauty of natural light, and allow your originality come through.