How do i minimize shadows in my photos? When shooting?

Answer 1

This is usually a problem when you are using flash, so I will assume that is what you are talking about.

If you have a point and shoot camera, it's going to be difficult if not impossible to do anything about it. You can't move the light to aim it differently. If you try to diffuse the light with some tissue or Scotch "Magic" tape over the flash, this might help a LITTLE, but you still need enough light to light up the subject and you will still get shadows.

See if you can take the picture without using the flash or try the "night portrait" or "party" setting to get a bit more even lighting effect from the camera.

If you have the option of adding an extrenal flash to your camera, as all DSLR's and some point and shoots do, consider using a bounce light technique or adding a diffuser. Another asker just brought up this topic and the question and answers would be helpful to you if you can use an external flash.

See: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Asg2QAvoRewbtfVacE3oW8vsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071127081625AAChiFU&show=7#profile-info-80a25b5654f7c68ff88856f6f6e21a41aa

Answer 2

In essence, by using the available light, or added light, to the best advantage.
IF you are talking about shadows cast by your on-camera flash, there's the immediate answer - don't use it unless you are taking party snapshots and then any shadows cast will be unimportant. However, if you have no choice, ensure that your subject/s is/are far away from any vertical surface in the background.
If, on the other hand, you are shooting outside in natural daylight, where diffused daylight is FAR better than direct sunlight, you can use a simple reflector -I have a large sheet of stiff cardboard with silver kitchen foil taped over it. Reflect your existing directional light with this, to fill in the dark side of the subject.
In extreme cases, feel free to use fill-flash - see sample at this link, where the girl insisted that she wanted the shoot to take place NOW and it was mid-day at the beach. Far too bright. Fill-flash was the only answer.
See:
http://www.eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=321321
Further, why worry about shadows at all. Often really good portraits use uni-directional light and capitalise on the IMperfect lighting. Depends what you want your end-product to look like. See this one and see how the light is very poor but that that very imperfection creates mood or atmosphere:
See:
http://www.eyefetch.com/image.aspx?ID=597803

So many more examples but that should be enough for now?

PS: Those links may look incomplete but they do work OK.

Answer 3

I agree with the other post but would like to add one thing, if you are shooting on a bright day use a lower ISO, that way your photos will have less contrast, more detail in the shadows.

Answer 4

First and foremost, the easiest thing is to try shooting on overcast days. Minimal shadows to deal with when there is no bright sun shining.

You will be able to shoot everything and anything!

Best wishes!

Answer 5

You must buy Lightsphere diffuser, it's given no shadows when taking portraitures,when you see there was a Tungsten Light ,using Amberdome (Yellow Cover) this will correction to the best quality images,Chromedome for taking picture on higher ceiling to the persons.ISO 400 film speeds,Shutter speed 1/30 seconds,aperture at f/3.5.

Answer 6

shoot on overcast days, use reflecters, use difussers, use fill flash - there are many methods depends on what one is shooting

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Answer 7

Open your aperture to it's widest and reduce your shutter speed accordingly.

Answer 8

meter more so for your highlights or use fill flash or a reflector