Photographers love overcast days, because it means they can shoot “naturally,” not doing anything to add or control lighting or even thinking about it sadly. It’s a lazy way to work, and the results are flat and dull images that require layers of “filters” to give them any type of punch or contrast. So for my recent lighting video tutorials for photographers, I photographed Heather on location on an overcast day to share with photographers how to control lighting in any scenario, even on these days with natural dull, overcast light. I like images to pop, to have vibrant colors and have depth in the contrast, but it should be done in the camera and with lighting controlled on the scene.

Interestingly, we where shooting in an area of Salt Lake City that is popular with photographers, and the place was almost over-run with photo shoots everywhere. Photographers were waiting in line to shoot in the same spots, and nowhere did I see anyone controlling their lighting. Every photographer I watched was using the natural dull light of the day, or were using an on-camera flash incorrectly. So it seemed apropos to be doing the exact opposite as everyone else, as part of my master lighting tutorial series.

Heather was such a great model. She moved naturally and gracefully, and had a way of always giving a real expressions throughout the shoot. We had a lot of fun laughing throughout the shoot and it was a blast.

I really like this dress of Heather’s too. The color popped against the low-key colors of the area, plus the retro look was a lot of fun, and she made it look great.

I also really like that in the images, the place looks empty. We had to find the right angles as well as time images in such a way as to avoid getting people in the shots, because really there were people on all sides of us. However, you would never know it from the images. The place looks empty, and Heather’s looks and expressions were never distracted.

If you know a photographer, send them to my lighting tutorials. And if you’d like some new portraits, spring is ending and warm weather is here. The studio gardens here at my place are in full bloom and now is the best time to get in for some new portraits. Call me at 801-728-3317 and let’s block some time off to shoot you some great images.

And until next time, America.