Working with Harsh Sunlight - Fashion Photography Behind the Scenes

[@janelee6765]

120 outfits in 6 hours 60 in 3 hours 20 in an hour 10 in 30 mins 1 every 3 mins Impressive 👏 I guess I need to work on shooting more often too

[@juliatrotti]

I loved that you worked it out! And oh my gosh yes, shooting lookbooks like this definitely trained me to be super quick when shooting!

[@JamieDelainePhotography]

Loved this video, Julia!! Helpful to see your posing, too.

[@countrymen]

Remember 2 Models on set :-)

[@janelee6765]

la041787 ya but if u can even do that in 6 hours, bravo. I can’t even do 10 in a day

[@jessestarks3128]

I'll need to try shooting something like this. Being able to flow and having a model that understands how to do it is key.

[@rendystudio911]

I watched a lot of famous photographers on KZbin, but you're the one who can catch beautiful image with "bare hand" Salute to you @juliatrotti

[@mikeackYT]

Thanks for sharing your aperture, ISO and shutter speed, Julia!

[@rogerhuston8287]

But how does that help? That's the easiest thing to figure out. She only showed us one before and after edit.

[@rogerhuston8287]

Wow, learned very little here. I've seen other videos where she has gone a little deeper into detail, but her teaching pretty shallow. The models and the outfits were pretty is pretty much all I got. Camera settings are basic. How do you pose and develop in harsh light?

[@terrycullinane9437]

@Roger Huston No use of reflectors, scims or fill flash....just use uncontrolled daylight & try & fix everything in Post!

[@mathewshoyt1763]

@@rogerhuston8287 RAW, iso 100...f4 or up or f8. Underexpose by 1/or 2/stops if needed and don't listen to the meter

[@davemil716]

I like what you said about getting to concerned about technique and forgetting about what the client wants. I like the minimalist approach as well...

[@marcuslee80]

This video is great... thx for showing your raw image and then your processed image... it was cool that you showed how you exposed for the sky and then lifted the shadows in post. Hope to see more vids like this!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it :)

[@MrSunamo]

Great photoshoot Julia and what wonderful inspiration! Even though you were working in harsh sunlight, you had the added benefit of the beach sand functioning as a natural reflector, thus softening the shadows on the subjects' faces.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! And yes that is such a great point that I forgot to mention in my video! The sand working as a natural reflector :D

[@fnfstudiosetters9664]

I still can’t be sure... is your left hand on the lens to steady it or.... are you in manual focus mode? Your videos are so helpful... thanks Julia

[@juliatrotti]

Just to steady it and not put too much weight/pressure on my right wrist. Thank you!

[@knightryderbelow]

Gorgeous location, gorgeous models, gorgeous clothing and of course gorgeous photographer! Just gorgeous! Thanks for taking us with you!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much!!

[@sierra-lyntate7582]

It was so nice to see someone taking portraits at such a fast shutter speed. I recently saw a KZbinr who was ripping someones photos to shreds, because they shot at such a high shutter speed. I didn't understand, because as long as the photo looks good and the client is happy, I don't see the issue.

[@AshlynManghane]

This was extremely helpful because I don’t always have control over what time my shoots are booked and often I’m shooting in the harshest times! Thanks for sharing

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it :)

[@happytuberpayal9304]

I love the waves behind.. Alluring!!!!

[@sabrinaachamberlain]

Look books are so fun to make! Thanks for the tips!

[@juliatrotti]

Glad you liked it! 💛

[@AvantNoir]

I like that you tackle the mission and didn't get caught up with the technical aspects. I've noticed sometimes I try to get lighting and focus perfect but sometimes its just better to get the shot off rather than not because of over analyzing it. Great lesson to learn!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it 😄

[@jessestarks3128]

I sometimes spend too much time analyzing as well instead of staying in the moment. Sadly I missed some great shots because of it.

[@HayleyRoseWinters]

Julia, your photography is PERFECTION. 👏👏👏

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you, Julia. Although I found this video pretty late, it really is valuable. There are not that many videos on shooting in harsh sunlight; especially Australian light. Thank you., 🙏

[@ashleybuys7772]

wowow thankyou! I now have another favourite photographer to look up to

[@juliatrotti]

Ahh thank you so much!

[@emilylumsden3203]

Obsessed with this shoot!!!!!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@emilylumsden3203]

@@juliatrotti I hope you don't mind me asking, what preset pack did you use on this? The edits are beautiful

[@ipendraig15]

6 hour shoot under the sun!! Hope you had plenty of sunblock on :) Beautiful images as always Julia.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Haha and yes, definitely had sunscreen on! ☀️

[@lovelygarden2673]

Nice, the opposite here in Hawaii, sun rises facing the ocean, so your model would of been squinting :) But sunset is when we see the fabulous skies :). Nice shoot...

[@randomchitrakatha]

loved ur work julia, please make video on poses for male and female .....

[@CQLanguageAcademy]

Hello Julia, I loved how you edited this video. Would you mind telling me the camera you used and how to get this look? :)

[@itsnotbloodborne1237]

Incredible resource, thank you so much!!

[@annaannas8464]

this helped me a lot coz i'm having a shoot on the beach today xoxo thanks

[@JannaSlaback]

Love this! Shooting in the harsh sun is definitely a challenge! You make it look so easy here!

[@speadlove7194]

Whatever beach that is, is soooo pretty

[@91364Steve]

Nice of you to share your settings. Good tips. It never occurred to me to have the model turn her face more evenly towards the sun. Sometimes I get so wrapped up with technicalities that I forget the obvious. I tend to use an off-camera Speedlight to fill in harsh direct sunlight shadows.

[@timcisneros8850]

Great video Julia, thanks for the helpful info.

[@krismarvel]

Hi Julia, thank you for another fantastic video! Can you please tell me if you were exposing for the skin or the sky? Also, how much do you underexpose by? Thank you :)

[@shawelliott3636]

loved your work.

[@ericw9]

I like watching these videos to prepare for my first photoshoot

[@alexanderstepanov6817]

This was a shock for me. All over KZbin serious looking mature men telling us that harsh sunlight is a big no-no: find a shadow, use a diffuser, wait for sunset... and here young girl playfully shoots amazing professional pictures on a beach! In Sydney!! At noon!!! I had to subscribe. Now watch other photographer's tutorials only if I can't find relevant info on this channel.

[@Selfpowered]

Great video. I was totally expecting reflectors and/or strobes. Interesting comment that you made regarding how a photographer might be stressing about technical perfection even though it might not matter to the client. Also nice seeing a shoot just down the road from me.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! :)

[@acidsnow5915]

great video! most people try to avoid harsh light. glad to see people shooting in this conditions

[@savannahamick8658]

This is just beautiful. Really amazing tips for hash lighting, even down to just letting go and not focusing on every image being to perfect. Love the rawness of your imagery.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! 💛

[@payakkeyur]

Great Work Julia! Would love to hear from you how do you focus to get such sharp images? At 1.2 it can DOF is paper thin. I noticed most of the times you ask your models to move around to get those natural expressions.It would be great to see a video on what kind of focusing modes you use and any other technique that you might want to share.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! I just uploaded a detailed video about how I focus portraits + movements at a shallow depth of field in case you want to see it :)

[@jhrphotography64]

Fantastic work! The images look great, and well you can't beat the location. This was a great inspiration for my shoot today - full sun - high fashion looks (so a little different). I like how you kept everything crips even at 2.8 - I struggle with this when I shoot wide open, I tend to get too many soft-focus shots, or a "just missed" - but the composition and look are there it usually works out. But today I'm really looking for that crisp focus in the eyes. Anyway. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@chris_eschner]

Incredible how you were Ablöse to shoot in direct sunlight!

[@ErwinandArizinfrance]

Love the color is the preset available to your site?

[@leroygordon1765]

Cool tips killer tune equals true vid thanks Julia

[@dre9008]

This is so lovely! Thanks for sharing your camera settings and your confidence in shooting in bright sun conditions. Do you have any pointers if you have a client that wants beach photos when sun in glaring over the ocean? How to meter or shoot without terribly harsh shadows and also get some background ?

[@terrycullinane9437]

@Andrea Coan Learn how to modify/improve ambient lighting with flash, reflectors & scrims....instead of just fixing poorly lit images in Post!

[@CallMeLexis]

It's almost 4AM here!! But checking out the vid before I sleep !!

[@juliatrotti]

You are amazing!! 💛

[@CallMeLexis]

Julia Trotti really enjoy your content!

[@benjaminsimson6273]

it's 5:20AM, just finished the video before bed, worth it.

[@netaogami8818]

Beautiful outfits and setting Julia. Synchro Sun or a Reflector! Don't forget shoot flat RAW too. Also. 105mm or 135mm puts more distance to the subject but offers better background blur and optical virtuosity.

[@lukas_g243]

Neta OGAMI doesn’t 70 mm have the most natural look for portraits also a lesne that can kick out what you saying doesn’t come cheap

[@HenryPiffpaff]

Hi Julia! First of, I wanted to say that you are a very likeable and natural person. I like that :) Now, my question is: What would you have done if clouds had screened the sun every now and then? Wait for them to pass or would you have adjusted your exposure accordingly and continued?

[@julienvasquezphotographyll8900]

Learning a ton from your videos...thnx!!

[@luchovargasfotografia]

Very nice Julia, congratulation!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@juanmarmolejos6172]

Love your videos!!! 🤗

[@pilarcasas1199]

Awesome tutorials Julia, thanks!

[@ayelethvalentin7960]

Wow..! Me asombra cómo evitas el efecto panda en sus ojos, teniendo en cuenta que es medio dia y no uses reflectores, bueno ! Postproducción ..! Me encanta tu estilo descomplicado.! He aprendido mucho de ti.!

[@juliatrotti]

Muchas gracias! I really appreciate it 😊

[@JonesGermanni]

Amazing video!

[@arthurtarnowski7594]

Thank you, Julia. I am learning a lot on this channel. Cheers from Shanghai

[@FaroukMejdoub]

I truly love your photoshoot video. Very inspiring

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much 💛

[@NatalieGennaoui]

Great video!!! These outfits are perfect

[@Polychronisdrone]

Great tutorial. Very interesting to know your camera settings in the morning and during the rest of the day. Greetings from the island of Crete in Greece.

[@begosanchezfotografia9304]

HI, very nice video. When models are moving, do you use AF-C?...thanks.

[@predspete2625]

Amazing work, Julia! Really enjoyable and helpful video

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much!

[@emilylumsden5043]

I was wondering what preset in your digital film actions did you use to edit these? I love them

[@markharris5771]

Brilliant video! I had a friendly and very civil conversation with another commenter on a previous video I you managed in such challenging conditions. You did reply to both of us at the time, thank you, but it’s still great to see you do it. I know weddings are longer hours, but I imagine you had the more challenging days doing fashion shoots like this. For weddings you have about 60-90 minutes to create poses and then the rest is catching candid shots. I’m not saying that is easy, I certainly couldn’t do it to the standard our wedding photographer did it, but fashion shoots you have to think of the pose which will be pleasing to the viewer, catch their attention and sell the dress/suit or whatever else people wear. To do it with the number of of shots you did is beyond amazing. I used to be a chef for many years, with my own outside catering business at one time, it was hard, hot work but even though I took a lot of pride in what I did, after the initial menu design for a wedding breakfast etc the rest was muscle memory. Each photograph you create has to be different than the last where I was after all my plates being the same. Thank you for this insight to just how tough it is doing your job, and it’s not talent alone but also a strong work ethic.

[@juliatrotti]

Your comments always hit the nail on the head Mark! You're right, photographing a wedding isn't easy, but the vast majority of the day is capturing candid moments and things as they happen. This proves it's own set of "obstacles" where the moments that happen aren't always in the best lighting so you need to make it work, you need to physically be there when something needs capturing so you need to be attentive and your lighting is constantly changing - indoors, outdoors, shade, sun, etc. But, as you mentioned these things somehow become muscle memory, so it's easier to flow throughout the day and know what needs to be shot! Then you have a small portion of the day dedicated to something a little more similar to a fashion shoot where you direct the couple and bridal party for some photos. Compared to a fashion shoot where you have to direct absolutely everything throughout the day to be able to capture the things you need! Which means that you need to keep so many things in mind while still being creative. And that's awesome to hear that you were a chef and also had your own catering company! I can image the long hours and definitely not easy work, so props to you!

[@mikeaustin6218]

Hi Julia just a question, what was your metering set to as looking at shooting models outside as well and you videos are awesome

[@juliatrotti]

I usually have it set to evaluative :)

[@Sammoab]

I'm sure the lighter color and uniformity of the sand helps bounce some diffused light back up onto the subject's face. Thanks for the video!

[@juliatrotti]

Yes, I love using sand as a natural reflector! And thank you

[@anthonyfigueroa2299]

Photos look amazing

[@jmliponvlog1404]

I love your. Voice julia 😍

[@deroux]

An ND filter would be a big help in such bright conditions. That way you don't have to shoot with your camera speed maxed out and have to change your aperture. . Also I would suggest a speedlight and bounce, but I know you Julia don't use flash. At least with a bounce you could reduce the harshness of the shadows and still use natural light.

[@juliatrotti]

For me, the lighting on the day wasn't bright/harsh enough to require an ND filter. Normally when I shoot with clients, I keep my aperture at around f2 - 2.8 for sharpness. So unless I had to go over that, which would change the style of my photos that my clients are after, I wouldn't use an ND filter. Also, yes a speedlight would definitely fill in the shadows on the model's face, as would using a reflector. But when shooting a lookbook like this where we are running up and down the beach and have to shoot a lot of looks in a short amount of time, it's not efficient for anyone involved to be shooting in that style! Another issue when using a reflector or speedlight in these lookbook shoots is that there would be too many variables in the lighting between each shot. But anyway! In this case, my client loved the look of the photos as is, so the reflector stayed in my bag :) Hope that helps!

[@deroux]

Thanks for your reply Julia. Often on shoots there aren't enough hands or assistants to add in extra elements, so you have to adapt and make it work. You got a lot done in a short amount of time. I love the photos and thanks for taking us along with you on your shoot. Cheers! -Andie

[@waltervanlille2263]

@@juliatrotti - I know this is a late comment, but I'm glad you explained why you're not using a reflector. Personally, I've tried the "under exposing your subject and bringing them up in post" trick a few times, but I've been underwhelmed with the results. I don't know if I'm overdoing it, or if it's just my old camera, but the colour/general detail on the subject always feels a bit off when I do it. I'm much happier with my results when I use a reflector to lift the shadows on my subject.

[@amrfartaka7239]

I love your work so much

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!!

[@amrfartaka7239]

❤️

[@emarcust]

Hey Julia! I just wanted to say thanks~ I've been learning about various aspects of photography online for about half a year now, and have just come across your channel. Your videos really do contain a wealth of knowledge which other channels just aren't giving away (for whatever reason - quite possibly because they don't have a great deal of creative insight to share). You also present the videos with a beautiful balance of professionalism and friendliness. THANK YOU, and take care! Marc

[@emarcust]

I also find it difficult to be genuinely impressed by most KZbinr's actual photography work. It seems most have a strength with the business aspect of photography. I absolutely love your images, and you are an insliration!

[@juliatrotti]

Ahh you are amazing! Thank you so much :)

[@osdlihxkcvn]

Love the tips of keeping their chin up. Just more flexibility of shooting styles instead of totally relying on nd filters. Thanks Julia! :)

[@juliatrotti]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it 😊I like to keep it simple, I normally don't use an ND filter unless I have to go over f2.8 as that would change the style and look of my photos!

[@osdlihxkcvn]

Yeah I know what you mean. I noticed the difference as soon I started using mine. I definitely prefer without as well. Were you using a uv protector on this shoot or just shooting standard?

[@JohnSmith-nk9fd]

Hi Julia! What metering mode did you use? Thanks!

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I saw her in live view. She would have been previewing the colour of the sky, maybe checking the histogram. The camera would be in manual, not using the built in meter.

[@terrycullinane9437]

@Andrew W Gordon ND filters don’t fix hard shadows!

[@matthewpickard5575]

Great video 🎥 and beautiful models 👩‍🦳👩‍🦳

[@chryseass.5143]

Thanks for sharing some good tips for outdoor shooting!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you :)

[@AnanthuKS]

Hi Julia, Great photos and you are incredibly fast. I am new to your channel and from learning prospective I was bit disappointed about the details. I am still trying to figure out how to take photos under harsh light. I noticed you mentioned underexposing if it was detailed a bit more could have been helpful. One other issue I face is getting dark shadows on the face how can I work through it ?

[@dlacerna]

Great video! Looks like you guys shot the video with a wide aperture. Did you guys use an ND filter for that? I see that the vlog setup is an a7s with a Sigma 24mm 1.4

Loved the video. I saw that, sometimes, there were a direct light on the rest and the rest filled by the sand. In this case, the harsh light did not make it hard to come back the exposure? Sometimes, I saw a light on the nose, for instance, and not on the rest of the eye. Another question and maybe an idea: a video about how to clean up the camera and lens after a photoshoot on the beach would be amazing. Thanks so much for the great work, btw!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Yeah that was actually a point I wanted to mention in this video but forgot :( The sand acted like a natural reflector to bounce some light back into the models' faces which makes it easier to lift the shadows in Lightroom to create a more even lighting look. The light on the model's nose that you saw sometimes was when they were directly lit from the sun - that's why I would ask them to lift their chins up, so instead of the light just going on their nose it would go across their whole face. And yes I would love to make a video about that! Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@djkidnasty]

Thanks for all the great content!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@shibanid4487]

love you julia❤

[@thebolivianguy64]

it turned out amazing! Beautiful work!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@darrenchandlercoaching]

Thoughts on using a white reflector as a fill light?

[@juliatrotti]

It would definitely work well for a fill light source!

[@villadodizmark2820]

Will you please explain to me how you shoot those stunning pictures without reflecta or light

[@esharai9272]

the way u shoot is just awesome. I need to make my portfolio ready n it ll be my first shoot so i need some tips.

[@UgandanAllstar]

I'm still in awe how you get dope pics without fill lights or reflectors

[@VuTCNguyenArtist]

What ND filter did you use with this shoot?

[@mohdzulfadhli]

I love the style of your pictures

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much!

[@lifesbeautiful3024]

Great work, Julia! Gorgeous models and gorgeous location. Thanks for the tips. One question, though. Wouldn’t a lens hood have helped?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! A lens hood is more used for when you're shooting in a backlit situation to get rid of any lens flare in your photos. So in this situation it wouldn't have done anything as the models are lit directly by the sun :)

[@bienngasau3242]

love Julia Trotti

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you 💛

[@corona587]

I love your videos so much! I just started a small business as a photographer for parties like weddings and quinceañeras. Your videos help me understand so much! Keep doing you girl!

[@lutzrichter4076]

I like the video and the results of the shooting very much. I guess with such difficult lighting conditions it´s some work to do in the raw files afterwords. Is there a main technic you use? Is it a mix of adjustments in the raw converter and later in photoshop?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! Yeah, I find for me personally sometimes adjusting it in post is a good way to get the best results :) I made a tutorial of the method I used to edit these photos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ21hIGOopx3q7M Hope that helps!

[@jdpst20]

I think you did a video about this a little bit ago but if you were to pick one lens to buy which one would you say to go with. the 35mm, 50, 85. I have currently a 17-40mm for landscape and city stuff and a 70-200mm 2.8 is in the works for some sports and surf stuff but I don't want to have to carry that on hikes ect. I'm looking for a medium lens that I can walk around, shoot good portraits yet also capture some of the environment. I'm thinking at least the 35 or 50.

[@jdpst20]

yeah found your 35/50 video probably will go with the 50. I like the extra bit of f stop and the non distortion from it. would be a great addition.

[@juliatrotti]

Hmm it's tough question! Because the 35mm lens is my favourite which I use ALL the time, however that's only possible to use so extensively because I have other lenses to fill in the gaps when the 35mm doesn't work for something. In saying that, I guess I would go with the 50mm if I had to choose - it's a more all-purpose lens. When I started photography and bought my first professional camera body, I purchased a 50mm f1.4 which was my only lens for about 2 years and I managed to make that work through a variety of different shoots!

[@jdpst20]

Thanks! Yeha the 17-40mm F4 is a great little walk around lens as I can get landscape and some decent portraits if I'm not super close, real close I get some distortion at 40mm but over all I like it for the wide angle perspective I can get. I'm pretty set on buying the 70-200mm for sports and action and all around lens but I would like that in between lens like the 50mm to just walk around and light weight carry lens to accompany the 17-40mm. I just actually sold my used 50mm 1.8 as it was just a cheap lens IMO and I'm looking to snagg the 1.4 or 1.2 here in the future just to have a solid pro lens to last me some time.

[@AncaT11]

Can you make some videos about composition of photos? I love your work💕 I have discovered you few days ago and i'm watching like crazy all your videos insted of larning for exams or making projects 😂😂😂 Hello from Romania! 💕

[@juliatrotti]

Hello! Thank you so much 💛 Yes I would love to make a video about composition! And you are so sweet 😊

[@theyellowchucks]

The photos look beautiful! 😀

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! 💛

[@tribalwarriors9588]

You are my inspiration.. I used to learn from your videos ❤️

[@raakeshprajapati1920]

U so hardworking girl and i like ur vision📷👍🏼

[@nagaraajkarthikraja4815]

Can you please post videos on mid day harsh sun wedding shoot with before and after?? How do you overcome shadow on face and etc….

[@mochamocha1040]

This video really makes me want to do photography as a hobby/side-career. Unfortunately I have no idea where to start haha. Brilliant video!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! Just start by taking some photos and building up your career :) Photography takes a lot of work, but when you start taking photos and making connections with people, your business will branch out!

[@deasttn]

What are your thoughts about using a reflector boards to help reduce some facial shadows?

[@juliatrotti]

Yeah you could definitely use a reflector to minimise the shadows! I'm going to make a detailed video about different techniques to shoot in harsh natural sunlight soon!

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!!!

[@duhbiyung]

nice work Julia, love the results! How about the location, was it necessary to get permit or just go and shoot? Thanks!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much! You don't need permits to shoot in public places such as beaches in Australia :)

[@alfredotemich1341]

Nice work!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@kentmemories]

Beautiful images.. Do you consider using CPL filter for this kind of shooting?

[@SuryaKundali]

Here for photography into but I so love the outfits these models are wearing ✨✨✨✨

[@nikolas7025]

Lovely work!

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@dan-3000i]

hey... what would be your tip for a good lens, for canon200d for maybe street photography :) ?!?

[@betuna75]

I love your channel ❤️ gorgeous all in all in this video. Like always:)

[@SuperQBAH]

Beautiful! Was your shutter speed throughout the shoot at 1/8000th as flashed on the screen or 1/1000th as I think I heard you say?

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you! My shutter was at 1/8000 all day - I made a mistake while recording by saying 1000!