In the shade or sun? at DVinfo.net

Mike Cook · April 22nd, 2005, 04:33 PM

Outdoor wedding, 3pm. High direct sun onto a lawn in a vineyard. There are two options, couple in the sun or in a spot shaded by trees.

In the sun gives all the usual headaches of a high, harsh light. Eyesockets, squinting, heat - etc.

Now, the shade looks nice, but how blown out will the background be? I will be testing this later next week but anybody have much experience with this? What would you lean towards?

Thanks

Mike

Mark Von Lanken · April 22nd, 2005, 08:54 PM

Hi Mike,

For me, it's a no brainer. Go for the shade. Skin tones are more important to get right than the background.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
Picture This Productions, Inc
www.TulsaWeddingFilms.com

Mike Cook · April 22nd, 2005, 08:58 PM

Ya'know, I just got back from testing this.

No brainer, shade is groovy.

Thanks for the input! Is this the same Mark I just bought a couple of DVD's from?

Mike Cook

Mark Von Lanken · April 22nd, 2005, 09:10 PM

Hi Mike,

You're welcome and yes, I am the one. Do you have plans to go to the WEVA Expo in Las Vegas? It's August 8-11. Would love to meet you there.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
Picture This Productions, Inc.
www.TulsaWeddingFilms.com

Mike Cook · April 23rd, 2005, 07:52 AM

Yup, I should be there. First time though, should I pack a lunch?

Cheerios,

Mike

Mark Von Lanken · April 23rd, 2005, 02:02 PM

Hi Mike,

You better make it 4 lunches. ;-)

They have been at Balleys for the last 5 years and this year they are going to a new hotel, which is supposed to have even more restaurants, so you could always eat at one of the many restaurants.

You'll have a great time and make sure to make the 1st timers meeting, which is usually Monday afternoon. It will really help you to make the most of your Expo experience.

All My Best,
Mark Von Lanken
Picture This Productions, Inc
www.TulsaWeddingFilms.com

Peter Jefferson · April 24th, 2005, 05:45 AM

Shade will obviously be easier however u didnt mention what camera ur using???
There may be afew settings which someone here may be able to help you with..

anyways.. u mention the shaded areas is under afew trees or sometihng?
be aware that in this case, you may experience patchy or splotchy lighting..

personally, id rather blow out a background than have splotchy light on a face.. another alternative is to run s daylight (light with Dichroic filter) so offset the shadows..
position the light af face level of the client or a little lower to shoot upwards, gettin rid of the shadows of the eyes..
Another option, and IMO the best, would be to get a reflector and stand and bounce the light onto the subject. It wont be as focused or as harsh..

Mike Cook · April 24th, 2005, 11:46 PM

Lights and reflectors are out per the Bride. The shade is fairly solid, splochiness (nice word mike) should not be a big problem. Given the Brides complexion, I really need to stay out of the sun.

The cameras are PD-150's and they will be all manual with exposure set for the face and I will just let the background blow out a bit. The location is on a hill so all backgrounds with sun on them will be distant. That should help.

Mark - thanks, I think it is at the Hilton this year. I'll stop by, I just watched "out of the box" today. Great stuff, makes me go pick up my camera to play.

Mike

April 22nd, 2005, 04:33 PM	#1
Mike Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland OR Posts: 190	In the shade or sun? Outdoor wedding, 3pm. High direct sun onto a lawn in a vineyard. There are two options, couple in the sun or in a spot shaded by trees. In the sun gives all the usual headaches of a high, harsh light. Eyesockets, squinting, heat - etc. Now, the shade looks nice, but how blown out will the background be? I will be testing this later next week but anybody have much experience with this? What would you lean towards? Thanks Mike

April 22nd, 2005, 08:54 PM	#2
Mark Von Lanken Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 910	Hi Mike, For me, it's a no brainer. Go for the shade. Skin tones are more important to get right than the background. All My Best, Mark Von Lanken Picture This Productions, Inc www.TulsaWeddingFilms.com

April 22nd, 2005, 08:58 PM	#3
Mike Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland OR Posts: 190	Ya'know, I just got back from testing this. No brainer, shade is groovy. Thanks for the input! Is this the same Mark I just bought a couple of DVD's from? Mike Cook

April 22nd, 2005, 09:10 PM	#4
Mark Von Lanken Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 910	Hi Mike, You're welcome and yes, I am the one. Do you have plans to go to the WEVA Expo in Las Vegas? It's August 8-11. Would love to meet you there. All My Best, Mark Von Lanken Picture This Productions, Inc. www.TulsaWeddingFilms.com

April 23rd, 2005, 07:52 AM	#5
Mike Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland OR Posts: 190	Yup, I should be there. First time though, should I pack a lunch? Cheerios, Mike

April 23rd, 2005, 02:02 PM	#6
Mark Von Lanken Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 910	Hi Mike, You better make it 4 lunches. ;-) They have been at Balleys for the last 5 years and this year they are going to a new hotel, which is supposed to have even more restaurants, so you could always eat at one of the many restaurants. You'll have a great time and make sure to make the 1st timers meeting, which is usually Monday afternoon. It will really help you to make the most of your Expo experience. All My Best, Mark Von Lanken Picture This Productions, Inc www.TulsaWeddingFilms.com

April 24th, 2005, 05:45 AM	#7
Peter Jefferson Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aus Posts: 3,884	Shade will obviously be easier however u didnt mention what camera ur using??? There may be afew settings which someone here may be able to help you with.. anyways.. u mention the shaded areas is under afew trees or sometihng? be aware that in this case, you may experience patchy or splotchy lighting.. personally, id rather blow out a background than have splotchy light on a face.. another alternative is to run s daylight (light with Dichroic filter) so offset the shadows.. position the light af face level of the client or a little lower to shoot upwards, gettin rid of the shadows of the eyes.. Another option, and IMO the best, would be to get a reflector and stand and bounce the light onto the subject. It wont be as focused or as harsh..

April 24th, 2005, 11:46 PM	#8
Mike Cook Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Portland OR Posts: 190	Lights and reflectors are out per the Bride. The shade is fairly solid, splochiness (nice word mike) should not be a big problem. Given the Brides complexion, I really need to stay out of the sun. The cameras are PD-150's and they will be all manual with exposure set for the face and I will just let the background blow out a bit. The location is on a hill so all backgrounds with sun on them will be distant. That should help. Mark - thanks, I think it is at the Hilton this year. I'll stop by, I just watched "out of the box" today. Great stuff, makes me go pick up my camera to play. Mike