"June Gloom" Great for Portraits

<p>Here in CA we are getting towards the end of "June gloom", during which it is frequently overcast but great for outdoor portraits. The high incident angle of the sun (high in the sky) hitting this part of the Earth towards noon on a cloudy day makes for plenty of soft light, ie. a bright and "large" light source. I was thinking of taking our 4-month old boy, putting him on a blanket in a bed of plants or flowers or something. Anyone have any other thoughts? (be nice)</p>

<p>I would think soft diffused light would be better than harsh bright direct light.</p>

<p>http://www.sunbounce.com/cms/index.php?id=swatt_the_light0&L=1</p>

<p>Thomas, our June Gloom is soft diffused light due to the overcast conditions. Chip, you might want to use a couple of simple bounce cards off to the sides of your little subject just for fill.</p>

<p>You might find a "5-in-1" type reflector/diffuser handy. I have one from Photoflex (42" diameter) but I think Westcott and others make 'em now. Great for taking advantage of all kinds of natural light.</p>

<p>These collapsible doodads usually feature four reflective surfaces (white, silver, gold and sorta-gold) and a white diffuser. To be useful as a diffuser the 36" diameter or larger versions are probably best. Helps to have an adjustable holder as well. Mine is a Westcott with threaded adapters to fit either standard 1/4" tripod bolts or the sturdier 3/8" bolt on Manfrotto legsets (with the head removed). That's what I use my old Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 legset for, mostly as a reflector holder.</p>

<p>For for reflectors even an 18" or smaller collapsible reflector can help. Several years ago I saw an article in which a fellow who took candid portraits would have his subjects hold a small reflector out of frame. Clever idea and these smaller collapsible reflectors can fit in some camera bags.</p>

<p>B&H Photo used to have very good illustrated tutorials on their website, including using reflectors and diffusers outdoors for natural light portraits. I think those tutorials have been moved to the <a href="http://ny.webphotoschool.com/">NY Web Photo School</a> site.</p>

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<p >Thomas, our June Gloom is soft diffused light due to the overcast conditions. Chip, you might want to use a couple of simple bounce cards off to the sides of your little subject just for fill.</p>

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Yes, that is what I meant. The link was to show how we can mimic soft light with those big light shades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

<p>In theory June Gloom gives you fantastic soft and diffused light, but in practice I find that the light is above the subject whereas I would like to have it in front or to the side of the subject - in other word, you get a big bright top of your son's head, and the eyes will be darker. Better than straight sun, but still not perfect.</p>

<p>Thanks all...perhaps he could go under a plant or tree and I could use the reflector or bounce card...interestingly I was looking a few weeks ago at a Photoflex 36" "5-in-1" on sale over at Paul's Photo in Torrance...maybe I'll pick that up, put my boy in a bed of plants and slightly under one (to eliminate the top light Peter spoke of)...alternatively he could be laying on an inclined bed of plants which would bring the angle of light down to light the eyes more and the top of the head less...hope we have some "June Gloom" left this weekend.</p>

<p>I've used June Gloom a lot for portraits, and you're right , it works well. The light is diffuse, but still more of a "source" due to the intensity of the sun penetrating partially. I like to use shallow depth of field as well, so slow film helps. Time of day alters the light's modeling effect, so it's fun to try different times.<br>

These are not formal portraits, but are people dressed normally and relaxed, in a comfortable environment. Not having to make a production of it makes for flexibility and a lack of distractions for them, which keeps things relaxed. A lot of people like seeing themselves as they are, if the light is flattering.<br>

June Gloom is also great for Macro, as the diffuse but directional light reveals detail but leaves natural shadow, and the light's intensity is enough to allow some control over aperture and shutter speed.</p>