Nikon D4, 28-300mm ƒ/3.5-5.6, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/125, Off camera Alienbees B1600

The Setup

Simple lighting setups work great outside when you already have the sun as one of the lights.

Before getting the photo above, you must plan and do some test shots.

I recommend putting the strobe opposite the sun and using the sun as a hair light to help create separation from the background.

When I do test shots, I take intimate photos of the face to see how the light looks on the front. So here, my daughter, who was also my assistant, stood in the place I would have the bride and bridesmaids stand.

Top View

I metered the scene and then added the strobe at one stop less than the scene.

Just be sure no one comes between the strobe and the people, and always have someone standing next to the strobe so that a strong gust of wind doesn’t blow it over. Also, this person can be sure the flash is firing.