I often hear people say, “I’m an available light photographer”. Most often, the people who say are really intimidated by speedlights and typically don’t own or use one.
The Lightsphere Collapsible Basic Kit
Available light is nice because it is natural. However, when soft flash fill is added, flesh tones are MUCH more beautiful. The photo on the left is available light. Those of you who shoot in open shade (especially Nikons that are non D800 or D3s or D4 – which use Sony sensors) are familiar with the cool cyan cast that comes with auto white balance.
Forcing the camera into “open shade” white balance often looks too brown. The cure is to use a Lightsphere Collapsible, with the amberdome pointing straight forward, as I did on the photo on the right. Unlike the photo in the center (where direct flash blew out the flesh tones) the Amberdome gives a beautiful light that looks incredibly natural. Hint: when setting up your camera for outdoor shoots, select color style “Neutral” which means that saturation and contrast are set to “0″ or flat.
If you want to get this gear, click on the image above. Use discount code, “GFPATRON” for 10% off at checkout on everything in the store 
Is this method also applicable when shooting beach portraits? I bought a Collapsible Lightsphere basic kit and I’m still trying to learn how to use it for the best results in each scenario. I primarily shoot small beach weddings and beach family portrait sessions with a Canon 5D MK II, EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 and Canon 580 EXII speedlite. I’m open to any suggestions, thanks!
Hey Josh – Gary here. See the post about using the Amberdome. In a beach situation, since you will be really close to the subject, you can use High Speed mode, which can let you dial in the darkness of the sky. Point the amber dome directly at the subject, with the sun in back.