How To Get Great Backlighting

I'm still relatively new to backlit photos but I LOVE them for their super warm feel and the lack of shadows and squinting. Hopefully we get a few more sunny days in the fall, I think it would look so fabulous with all the fall colours! Here are a few tips:

1. Have the sun lower in the sky (maybe an hour before sunset).

2. It is best if the sun is filtered through some trees or have part of the subject filtering the light. You don't want to be in total shade from the trees though, the light must be filtering through!

3. If you want a super sun flare look, put your aperture at about f/14 to f/22 (shoot in AV mode). If you don't want sunflare, use a lens hood:)

4. If your subject is looking darker, overexpose the photo a stop.

Here's hoping for some more sunshine:)

Love, Louise

10 Tips for Height Differences

Last weekend I had a session where the couple differed in height by over a foot. What are some things to remember in this case?

1. If you are photographing someone tall, it's often better to try to get a bit higher than them...especially if you are just 5'6":)

2. Have the couple sitting. This helps to equalize things a bit and get their heads closer together naturally.

3. Make sure that when looking up at the taller individual, that the shorter one does it more with their eyes rather than their whole head. Otherwise, there will be a lot of shots of just pure neck.

4. Instead of just `regular' kissing, a kiss on the forehead is cute:)

5. Have the shorter person walk in front and lead the other.

6. Find natural spots where there is a height differential and use it (stairs, sidewalk and curb, roots next to the tree etc). Did I mention stairs???

7. Tilting the camera for an angled shot.

8. Picking the other person up!

9. Stagger them.

10. Finally, heels.

Let me know if you think of something else!