Always Look for a Better Shot

While I am sitting outdoors, enjoying the Spring sun this corner of the Atlantic, I remembered a photographic advice about lighting and portrait photography: side-lighting is best because shadows define the face and gives it dimensionality. And when you decide to use a speedlite, the first advice you'll get is get it off-camera.


But what do you do if you arrive at a place and the lighting isn't ideal? Waste the two-hour drive and curse Mother Nature? Or make the most out of it by trying something else?


This was what I did when some friends and I went to Atlantic City, NJ. It was a particularly overcast day and the light was really flat. But instead of sulking, I reduced my shutter speed and produced, for me, a compelling photo. The blurred image of the other tourists added a point of interest to the otherwise drab photo.

From People and Portraits

The light may be flat but at least I was able to add something that would make the photo more interesting. And my subject of course also made it interesting by having a connection with the camera.


It was a gloomy day but I was happy with the photo that I was able to produce.


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This shot was made using a Canon 7D with a Canon EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. Settings are f/4.5, 1/5s at ISO500.