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Shoot in Open Shade

by Maggie Holmes | 10 years ago

Seek Open Shade

Open shade is any area outdoors that is shaded but still has indirect illumination from the sunlight. The keyword here is “indirect” meaning that in open shade the sunlight will not be hitting the subject directly. Examples of areas with open shade are behind a building when the sun is on the opposite side, under a porch, under a tree, inside an open garage, etc. Again it is any area that is shaded from the direct sun but still has light flowing indirectly in.

Because open shade provides the perfect soft and diffused lighting that we as photographers love. It eliminates the harsh shadows and squinty eyes that come when we place our subjects out into the direct light. Head out and look for open shade in your neighborhood, then practice shooting in it.

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