Light and Laughter

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Michael Turner’s top tips for capturing natural outdoor portraits of children.

Make the world your studio
Let’s look at these in turn.
Find the right light.

Without the right light your portraits will lack sparkle or could even be ruined by dark ‘panda’ eyes and unwanted shadows. Children, toddlers especially, won’t hang around while you set up lights. Even reflectors can be the kiss of death for their attention span.

The answer is to find beautiful, flattering natural light that doesn’t need modification, and the key to this is to look for open areas of shade that cut out the light coming from above – trees, archways, bridges or doorways for instance. Cloudy, or even rainy, days usually mean flattering light. On bright sunny days, direct sun should be avoided. Shoot with the sun behind the kids for beautiful rim lighting (you’ll need to open up your lens by an f-stop or two) or find open shade with the sunlight bouncing in. Check out your subject’s eyes – if they look bright and sparkly, with big, soft catchlights then you’re in the right area. If there’s room for your subjects to move around and still be in great light – even better!

Monochrome portrait Monochrome portrait of two boys

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What our members say
Why I like the Societies: It is a professionally run organisation for professional photographers. The competitions inspire me to be the best. - Kimberley J
Find out more about the Societies here

Convention testimonials This year’s Convention will have a very positive impact on my business and I just know that I will be ready for more next year. I’m on a journey to a very nice place, it will take a while to get there and the hills are very steep. Get there I will and your input will have played a big part in the successes that lie ahead. Graham Martin
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Photo Quote: Pick a theme and work it to exhaustion...the subject must be something you truly love or truly hate. - Dorothea Lange

There are 228 days to get ready for the SWPP Convention and Trade Show at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel ...
which starts on Tuesday 8th January 2013