How to Create Flattering Portraits in Midday Sunlight

Shooting outdoor portraits at noon? Sounds like a recipe for disaster. The light is harsh, the shadows are unforgiving, and let’s be honest – it’s just not the dreamy golden hour glow everyone loves. But portrait and fashion photographer Lindsay Adler isn’t afraid of a little midday sun. She knows exactly how to make it work in her favor, and she’s got three simple tricks to help you do the same. Be sure to watch the video to see the complete lighting setups.

1. Soften the Light with Diffusion

Midday sun is like that one friend who speaks way too loudly. It needs to be toned down. The best way to do that? Diffusion. A shoot-through umbrella or a translucent reflector transforms the sun from a harsh, spotlight-style light source into something much softer and more flattering.

Once you have that diffused light, you still need to watch out for shadows. Since the sun is directly overhead, it can create deep shadows in the eyes. Fix this by having your subject lift their chin or adding a reflector underneath to bounce light back up. Simple adjustments make a big difference.

2. Find a Natural Bounce Board

If you don’t have a diffuser, don’t worry. The world is full of giant reflectors just waiting to be used. Look for a large white surface in direct sunlight – a white wall, a sidewalk, even the side of a van. When the sun hits it, the light bounces back and creates a softer, more flattering glow.

To make the most of this, place your subject with their back to the sun and let the reflected light do the work. The closer they are to the surface, the softer the effect.

If there are no natural reflectors, create your own. A V-Flat, a large, double-sided board often used for bounce lighting, is an excellent tool. Position it near your subject to reflect sunlight and soften shadows. You can adjust the angle and distance of the V-Flat to control the amount of light being bounced back, giving you full flexibility and control over the lighting.

3. Embrace the Sunlight

If soft light isn’t your thing, go all in on the bold, high-contrast look. Midday sun creates strong, graphic shadows that can add drama and depth to your portraits. The key is knowing how to control it.

Start by having your subject tilt their face toward the sun to avoid unflattering shadows in the eye sockets. Since harsh light emphasizes texture, matte makeup or blotting papers can help reduce shine. This style often requires more retouching, but the results can be striking and unique.

Own the Light

Golden hour isn’t the only time to create great portraits. Midday light may be tricky, but with the right approach, you can make it work in your favor. Whether you soften it, bounce it, or lean into the contrast, the key is to take control. Master these techniques, and you’ll never feel limited by the time of day again.

Wanna Learn More?

Interested in learning more about Lindsay's lighting techniques? Check out more videos by Lindsay to create dramatic, striking looks that stand out.

Plus, we’ve got over 100 videos on our Behind the Scenes page with tips and tricks for photographers and videographers of all genres.