When it comes to outdoor photography, most people think natural daylight is all you need for a great photo. While natural light is beautiful, it can often fall short, especially when capturing the most important part of a portrait—the eyes. As a photographer, I believe that the eyes and facial expressions are the heart of any image. Without proper lighting, eyes can look dull, shadowed, or even sunken. This is where off-camera flash becomes a game-changer for me.

Why the Eyes Matter: Avoiding “Skunk Eyes”

Have you ever seen a portrait where the subject’s eyes look dark and lifeless? We call this the "skunk eye" effect—where the lack of light makes the eyes appear black and shadow. Without catch lights (the reflections of light in the eyes), faces lose their vibrancy, and the emotion or expression in the image doesn’t stand out. That's the last thing I want in your photos, whether it’s a family portrait or an action shot of your pet.

This is why I use off-camera flash, even in broad daylight. It helps me bring the eyes to life, adding that sparkle and depth that makes an image stand out. The catchlights make the face pop and give the photo an extra layer of warmth and connection.

The Tools I Use: Godox Flash & Mix Lighting For my outdoor sessions,

I use the Godox off-camera flash system, paired with a trigger on top of my camera. I usually start my flash at 1/4 power, adjusting as needed depending on the light conditions. The key to great outdoor photography is balance—mixing natural light with flash so they work together seamlessly.

*On bright, sunny days, I’ll need to bump up the flash power to ensure that the subject is well-lit, without washing out the beautiful natural light around them.

*On overcast days or during golden hour, I dial the flash power down to gently fill in any shadows without overpowering the soft, natural light.

This technique is known as mix lighting, and it allows me to maintain the integrity of the natural light while enhancing the subject's features, especially their eyes and facial expressions.

How It All Comes Together By using off-Camera Flash,I can make sure that my subjects stand out in any environment. Whether it's a glowing sunset or a cloudy afternoon, I control the light to make sure every image looks its best—no dull eyes, no heavy shadows—just vibrant, expressive portraits that capture your family or pet in their best light.

The beauty of mix lighting is that it doesn’t take away from the natural feel of an outdoor session. Instead, it enhances the image, blending flash and daylight so that both look natural. You won’t even notice the flash—only how clear and full of life the subjects look.

The next time you're booking an outdoor session, know that I’ve got the tools and techniques in place to ensure your photos are vibrant, alive, and full of emotion—especially in the eyes, where it matters most.

Let’s make your next session shine!