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Question from Jesse: “I’m Doing A Shoot In A Beautiful Pumpkin Patch As My Backdrop, Sunny Skies And Great Light. What Settings Would You Guys Recommend ? Shoot Wide Open? I’m Using A Nikon D5100 & 18-200 VR Lens! Input Greatly Appreciated ! Thanks”
Becky: There are lots of cheat sheets for exposures in different lighting you can look on Pinterest or google.
Kelly: Oooh… I can help here because I just did the same set up. Ha. I varied in what I used in the way of settings. I used my 50mm 1.4 and shot between f/1.4-3.5. The slowest my shutter speed got was 1/350 but I kept it much faster most the time due to the sunlight. And my ISO was on 100.
Here’s the session:
http://www.kellybroylesphotography.com/amanda-dc-the-engagement-gritts-farm/
April: Posting to follow comments…I’m interested in your thoughts/advice as well!
Kelly: Oh, and take a reflector or some off camera flash to brighten up their faces/front body when you’re shooting backlit if you’re in similar condition as I.
Cara: Watch out for reflected color casts… pumpkin patches have lots of very orange very reflective surfaces.
Michelle: Hi Jesse… best thing to do is spend time playing with and learning your camera. People can give you settings and recommendations but it’s all going to come down to how the light is and knowing your equipment. I spent my summer stalking birds at the feeder to practice using Manual focus and it payed off big time. Good luck and have fun!
Shannon: Sunny skies can lead to odd shadows and squinty eyes, so be mindful of that. Shooting wide open is fine, just be sure to adjust your shutter speed so you don’t blow out your images. I used a 50mm lens at f/1.8 and the shutter speed was 1/125, but it was cloudy out.b
Josette: Depends on how many people are in the group or family. The general rule is to set your aperture according to how many people. So if there are 4 people set aperture at 4.0, 3 people set it at 3.0 or 3.2 or as low as the 70-200 will go (isnt it 3.5 on that lens?) and so on. That way everyone will be in focus even if they are not of equal distance to the camera. Also be sure to shoot the session in late afternoon/ early evening a couple hours before sunset unless it is overcast (then its fine midday) because otherwise you’ll have to battle with the sun, people squinting and harsh midday light. it’s all about the light and choosing the right time to shoot. Good luck Jesse! Sounds like a great location!
Jennifer: Back light your subject.
Jennifer: But watch for lens flare!
Tia: Following.
Donald: @Cara, how do you over come the color cast
Teres: Following responses, great question.
Colleen: Following as well
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