Outdoor Portrait Settings
Master outdoor portrait lighting in Hawaii's varied conditions. From harsh midday sun to magical golden hour, these settings will get you started.
Golden Hour - The Magic Window
1 hour before sunset or after sunrise. The best light for portraits.
Position: Sun behind or 45 degrees behind couple for rim light. Face toward open sky for even fill. Watch for flare (use lens hood or block with hand).
Backlit / Sun Behind Subject
Dramatic rim light with glowing hair and dreamy backgrounds.
Technique: Meter for faces (they'll be in shadow). Let background blow out slightly. Use reflector or flash for subtle fill. Shield lens from direct sun to reduce flare.
Open Shade - Your Best Friend
Edge of shade facing open sky. Soft, even, flattering light anytime.
Find shade: Building shadows, tree canopy edges, covered lanais. Face subjects toward the open sky (not deeper into shade). Background can be in sun for separation.
Harsh Midday Sun - Making It Work
Not ideal, but sometimes unavoidable. Here's how to handle it.
Strategies: Find any shade you can. Use flash to fill eye socket shadows. Diffuser panel overhead (need assistant). Convert to B&W if shadows are too harsh. Or embrace the contrast for dramatic looks.
Overcast - Nature's Softbox
Clouds diffuse sunlight beautifully. Often underrated conditions.
Benefits: No squinting, no harsh shadows, shoot anywhere. Colors are more saturated. Skin tones are even. Slight underexposure + recovery adds contrast.
Light Direction Quick Reference
Front Light
Sun behind you, facing subjects
- Even exposure, easy to meter
- Can cause squinting
- Flat, less dimensional
- Good for groups, safe choice
Side Light
Sun at 90 degrees to subject
- Creates dimension and depth
- Half face lit, half in shadow
- Dramatic, editorial look
- May need fill on shadow side
Back Light
Sun behind subject, facing you
- Beautiful rim/hair light
- Dreamy, romantic feel
- Requires exposure compensation
- Best in golden hour
Overhead Light
Midday sun directly above
- Harsh shadows under eyes/nose
- Raccoon eyes effect
- Avoid for portraits if possible
- Use fill flash or find shade
Hawaii Portrait Challenges
Trade Winds
Hair and veils will blow constantly. Embrace it for movement, or find sheltered spots. Have hair clips available.
Ocean Reflection
Water acts as a giant reflector. Can create beautiful fill or cause harsh glare. Use it to your advantage.
Green Color Cast
Lush foliage reflects green onto skin. Move subjects to edge of greenery or correct in post.
Humidity
Lens fog when moving from AC to outdoors. Acclimate gear beforehand. Keep wipes handy.
Recommended Portrait Lenses
Hawaii has relatively consistent sunset times year-round due to its latitude. Generally:
- Summer: Sunset around 7:00-7:15 PM, golden hour starts ~6:00 PM
- Winter: Sunset around 5:45-6:00 PM, golden hour starts ~4:45 PM
- Plan portraits: Start 60-90 minutes before sunset for best light
- Blue hour: 20-30 minutes after sunset for dramatic sky colors