Backlight, exposure tap, and one pose that always works
Shoot flattering portraits in the hour after sunrise or before sunset without a DSLR: find open shade or soft backlight, tap exposure on the face, use portrait mode honestly, and direct one simple pose — shoulders angled, chin slightly forward, eyes to light. You will learn when golden hour lies, how to fix orange skin, and when to use flash fill.
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Check sunset/sunrise time. Arrive 40 minutes before sunset for warm side light; last 15 minutes for strong orange — harder on skin tones. Open field, park edge, or alley with sky visible works.
Avoid dappled tree shadow on faces — mottled light reads as mistakes. Move two steps until light is even on cheeks.
Put sun behind subject at 10–20° off center — not directly into lens or you get flare soup. Face toward open sky or a bright wall for fill light on eyes.
White reflector or white shirt held low bounces light under chin — kills dark eye sockets.
Pro tip. HDR off sometimes looks more natural on skin — try one shot each way.
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