I just wanted to say sorry to my amazing readers for being inconsistent with these posts.

Today I wanted to say a few words about utilizing natural light.
There will always be those times when you won’t be able to use flash or assisted lighting.  Whether its just not an option, or you just feel like keeping it as natural as possible.
So, everyone knows that cloud cover makes for the best lighting, but does that mean that if the sun is shining directly on your subject its game over?  No way Jose!
We have tools and ways to defeat those harsh rays!

The first thing that may come to mind is to find some shade!  Sounds simple enough, but really, it works.  That is, as long as your subject is moveable.  Next option is to use a simple reflector.  These little guys are perfect for softening the harsh sun over small areas.  So, for example, you could shade the face of your subject, or you may even be able to fit the shoulders in if your reflector is large enough.  A reflector is also great to fill in the shadows by, you guessed it, reflecting sunlight into those dark spots, thereby evening out the light.
So, your reflector is dual purpose, either for shade or reflecting.

So we’ve discussed using natural light, but how about when theres not enough light? Well stay tuned for the very (not) confusing discussion about the combined power of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.