As a portrait photography enthusiast, you'll know that lighting can make or break a photograph. In a studio, you have complete control — but what do you do when shooting on location, where some things are out of your hands? Here's how to master lighting for great portraits wherever you shoot.
Make the most of what nature provides
Natural light from the sun is among the most beautiful light sources available — which is why so much artificial lighting is designed to emulate it. To make the most of natural light, avoid shooting in the middle of the day, when the sun is directly overhead and produces deep, unflattering shadows.
Learn to use the sun's direction to your advantage. During golden hour, shooting with the sun at your back gives your subject warm, flattering light. Shooting with the sun behind your subject lets you experiment with backlighting or silhouettes. Developing these skills gives you a versatile toolkit for any location shoot.
Bring simple but effective tools
Sometimes the challenge on location isn't a lack of light — it's that the light isn't falling where you need it. One of the most effective tools for shaping and directing existing light is a reflector.
Reflectors are perfect for directing light exactly where you want it. A common example: when shooting with the sun behind your subject, your model's face will be in shadow. A reflector can bounce light back onto their face, creating a more balanced exposure between foreground and background.
Different reflector types produce different results:
- White reflectors — The most versatile option, producing soft, neutral fill light
- Silver reflectors — The strongest reflectors, producing bright, crisp fill light
- Gold reflectors — Produces a warmer, more flattering quality of light
- Black reflectors — Absorbs rather than reflects light; useful for reducing light in overexposed areas
Blend natural and artificial light sources
Once you understand how natural light works, you can start experimenting with mixing it with artificial sources — flash or constant lighting. If you're not sure which to choose, read our guide to flash vs constant lighting. In short: flash is more powerful and suited to advanced setups, while constant light is simpler to use and more budget-friendly.
On location, artificial light is typically used to counteract an overwhelming natural light source, or to prevent your subject's face from falling into shadow in direct sunlight. The core technique is called fill lighting — balancing the natural key light with an artificial fill light placed at an opposing angle.
Here are some pointers to help you get a handle on fill lighting:
- Place your fill light at an opposing angle to your key light (the sun)
- Your fill light should be less powerful than your key light — a 2:1 ratio means the key light is twice as strong as the fill
- A handheld incident light meter is the most accurate way to measure and balance these ratios
- Use your flash or LED light off-camera for more flexibility with positioning — for example, placing your subject with the sun at an angle behind them and positioning your fill accordingly
- Don't be afraid to use multiple lights — a second fill light or reflector can subtly lift any remaining shadows without overpowering the scene
- Take test shots and review your LCD screen before committing to your final setup — getting the lighting right before you start shooting saves time and produces better results
Get expert advice and lighting gear
Ready to take your location portraits to the next level? Browse our range of photography lighting and reflectors online, or visit a Ted's Cameras store for personalised advice from our team. And keep an eye on the Ted's photography blog for more portrait and lighting tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best natural light for portrait photography?
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset — is widely regarded as the best natural light for portraits. The sun is low in the sky, producing warm, soft, directional light that flatters skin tones and creates gentle shadows. Overcast days are also excellent for portraits, as clouds act as a giant natural diffuser, producing even, shadow-free light across your subject.
Do I need a flash for outdoor portrait photography?
Not always, but it helps. In bright sunlight, a flash (or speedlight) used as fill light can prevent harsh shadows on your subject's face and balance the exposure between your subject and the background. In softer light conditions — such as open shade or overcast days — a reflector is often sufficient. Having both in your kit gives you the most flexibility.
What is fill lighting in portrait photography?
Fill lighting is a technique where a secondary light source is used to reduce or eliminate shadows created by the main (key) light. On location, the sun acts as the key light, and a flash, LED panel, or reflector is used as the fill. The fill light is typically less powerful than the key light — a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio is common — to maintain natural-looking depth and dimension in the image.
What reflector colour should I use for portraits?
White reflectors are the most versatile choice for portraits — they produce soft, neutral fill light that flatters most skin tones. Silver reflectors are stronger and work well in lower light conditions. Gold reflectors add warmth, which can be very flattering in golden hour light but can look unnatural in cooler conditions. Black reflectors are used to subtract light rather than add it, which is useful for adding depth or reducing overexposure in specific areas.
How do I avoid harsh shadows in outdoor portraits?
The most effective ways to avoid harsh shadows are: shoot during golden hour or on overcast days when the light is naturally soft; move your subject into open shade (e.g. under a tree or beside a building) to remove direct sunlight; use a reflector to bounce light into shadowed areas; or use a fill flash to balance the exposure. Avoiding midday sun — when the sun is directly overhead — is the single most impactful change most photographers can make to their outdoor portrait lighting.