What are some typical angles to place the sun at in outdoor portraiture photography?

Question

I know there are few common light positions for studio photography. For example, a key light positioned 45 degrees horizontal and slightly above the subject. I was wondering if there were any common positions to place the sun in while doing outdoor portraiture. Especially with the aim to eliminate any harsh shadows.

If I can make the question a little more comprehensive, I'd like to know angles during midday, sunset, and with/without a reflector for fill.

Thanks!

Answer

As a very general guidance, you should place the sun at the 3/9/12 o'clock position of the subject, and try to avoid the 6 o'clock position.

That is, the left, right, or behind the model (back lit), and try to avoid direct sunlight straight onto the model's face.

Why not straight on?

• the model will have a VERY hard time keeping their eyes open, and their facial expression looks like they are about to be punched in the face
• the light is flat and harsh, with hard shadows under the chin

Why from the sides? (I mean side lit in general, so 2,3,4,8,9,10 o'clock positions are perfectly fine)

• Gives a full sense of dimension of the model's face, a 3D lighting
• However shows blemishes
• Works very well with a simple reflector to balance out the shadow side

Why from behind?

• Usually a good lighting for hair
• The model's face is softly and evenly lit (when you expose for the face)
• You can easily control the amount of light that falls on the model's face by a reflector
• The popup flash can be used as a fill flash (when all you have is the popup flash, this is one of the best way to get amazing results)

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