Introduction
Outdoor portrait photography is my favorite way to capture natural images with beautiful backgrounds. My goal is always to try to make my portrait work look natural, effortless, and “in the moment”, but there is a lot of planning required to get it like that!
A successful shoot always begins with clear communication.
What is the client wanting, and do you think you can deliver that particular wish list? If yes, then the conversion moves into the nitty gritty of selecting a location, time of day, wardrobe, hair, and makeup. All these elements factor into the result of the final image. However, creating a comfortable environment for your subject is one of the most important things you need to do as a photographer. Most people feel a little awkward being in front of the camera initially but loosen up quickly if you provide the right energy and direction for them to do so.
Communicating with Your Client
Before the session, take time to discuss your client's vision and expectations. Ask them what they are looking to convey with the images. (Is it professional or approachable “vibe” etc), then take it from there and decide location (for example, one of the first things I ask my seniors is if they'd prefer an urban or a “green” setting). Showing examples of different options can help make the decision easier for the client. By understanding your subject’s wishes, you can then session plan accordingly and ensure they feel involved in the creative process. I usually help with tips on hair and makeup (what looks good on camera in that particular setting) and wardrobe if needed (for example, fresh shoes are one of those things that make a huge difference in an image, but you wouldn’t necessarily think of them as equally important to the outfit)
The Importance of Comfort
How your subject feels will directly influence the outcome of your portraits. A nervous or uncomfortable client will have stiff expressions and body language, while a relaxed one will exude natural confidence. To help your subject feel comfortable, you can try:
Engage in light conversation to break the ice.
Give them clear and positive direction.
Demonstrate the pose or natural movement
Maybe show them a few shots during the session
I like to have a “mood board” created on Pinterest to pull up if needed to show poses. It can help the subject understand how what they are doing will look on camera.
Ideal Lighting for Outdoor Portraits
Light is crucial in outdoor portraits. Here are three essential lighting techniques to enhance your shots:
Shooting in Soft Light
Soft light like overcast skies or golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset), provides a flattering light on the subject’s skin without harsh shadows. Golden Hour creates a natural, warm ambiance, perfect for dreamy senior portraits. Try using an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4 to create a beautifully blurred background while keeping the subject sharp.
Using Open Shade
Midday sunlight can have harsh shadows which can be unflattering. Instead, if you need to shoot during this time, place your subject in open shade—such as under a tree, beside a building, or an overhang. This ensures even lighting on the face without squinting. Again, a wider aperture (f/2.8 to f/4) will help maintain a soft, natural look while letting in enough light. Experiment with shutter speed as needed.
Shooting Backlit Portraits with a Reflector
Backlit portraits can create a magical, ethereal effect, but they require careful technique to avoid losing detail in the subject’s face. Position your subject with the sun behind them and use a reflector to bounce light back onto their face ( I bring an assistant or put a family member of the subject to work! Most moms or friends love to help out and participate behind the scenes). A white or silver reflector works best to fill in shadows and keep their features well-lit ( I prefer using the white side of the reflector) Try using an aperture of f/2.8 to f/5.6, depending on the depth of field you want.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor portrait photography requires a balance of technical skill, interpersonal connection, and leg work (scouting location and moving around as the sun changes position). By communicating effectively, making your subject comfortable, and experimenting to find your favorite lighting techniques, you can create portraits that are not only visually striking but also capture the personality and emotion of your subject.
Thanks for reading! Message me if you have any questions or tips you'd like to share.
Eva


