Photography Discussions: Photographing People

Last month we discussed whether we shoot indoors or outdoors and why we make these choices!

Daemare said:

I love working outdoors, mainly because I do nature photography. Nature is also very unpredictable, which can lead to some amazing shots that you can't replicate indoors. Plus, I do believe natural light is the best light. When I shoot my friends outdoors, usually for dances or socials, the late afternoon to evening light and cool breezes bring out some better qualities I don't think a studio can catch.

Kyndelfire said:

Until recently, I almost exclusively shot with natural light, and usually outdoors, but occasionally inside near a window.  In the last couple of years I've started to shoot weddings and portraits, and last year I started renting a studio with another photographer who allows me to use his lights.  Since then, I've learned a lot (and am still learning) about lighting and how and when to use it. it really has opened up a whole new world of photography, and since then I've started shooting indoors a lot more.  I think I still prefer natural settings (nature, parks, etc), but I'm definitely enjoying the opportunity to do some playing indoors and the amount of control I have.

Yuukon said:

I don't think I have a preference for indoor or outdoor shooting, as I do a lot of both. When looking through my gallery you'll notice a lot of macro and nature shots, and most of my macro shots I took inside, while most of my nature shots are all outside (some I took through a window  ). Whether I go outside or stay in depends on a number of things: subject, light conditions, the weather and often also my mood. We all have those days we'd rather just stay inside even though the weather outside is great. But there are also days where I grab my gear even though it's -30 and snowing outside, because, let's face it, winter is gorgeous. Light conditions may be one of the most important factors for me on deciding if I will go outdoors or not, though. If the light is harsh, I often opt to stay inside because I don't like the atmosphere and lighting it creates. But soft light caused by cloudy or foggy weather for instance is often my cue to go out and work there.

My decision on which light source to use often depends on my subject. When I work with models, I enjoy shooting in a studio setting, because there I will have full control over the light. For some of my macro works, I also work in a studio setting, since the macro extension tubes take a big portion of my light away, so I'll need some additional light. However, I don't like to use studio settings with animals and children, since I don't like to spook them. My own bird Coco is very used to my flashing about since he grew up around me doing that, but I have been in multiple situations where my flashing would scare the animal or child and I had to move on to natural light. I think it's important to be flexible with your light sources, since you can't always get it the way you want it.

I don't really have a preference on indoor or outdoor, to be honest. I like working in both environments, and with several light sources. As I said before, it's important to be flexible in where and with what you work, and adapt to the situation. If you only shoot in a studio situation indoor, you will likely have very little experience in shooting outdoor and how to deal with the light that you can't control. Same thing goes for the other way around.

Lugal said:

Definitely outdoors. I live in Arizona so there is no shortage of sunny days (and even rain is not guaranteed to make it to the ground).  It's cheap and easy (grab the camera and go). I started out shooting landscapes, (and without much money) so everything sort of evolved from that.  For types of photography that work best in either indoor or outdoor, I think nudes are well suited to either depending on what look you're going for: intimate low-key portrait or big painterly scene.