I’m Zhuoya, and in this tutorial I’ll demonstrate how to turn harsh noon light into a cinematic advantage. By using Godox flashes to overpower and shape sunlight, you can achieve dramatic portraits even under the brightest conditions.

Equipment

Main Light: Godox AD400 Pro + AD-R12 reflector

Fill Light: Godox AD200 Pro II mounted on S2 bracket + RFT14 reflector

Front Light (Sun at High Front Angle)

1. Situation: Sun directly in front—background and subject appear flat.

2. Challenge: Dropping ambient exposure darkens background but risks losing highlights on your subject.

3. Solution:

· Angle AD400 Pro to match sunlight direction and increase its power above ambient.

· Use AD200 Pro II to gently fill shadows, preserving detail in skin and clothing.

· Keep shutter ≤ 1/250 s to avoid HSS power loss.

· Quick Tip: In HSS mode the flash emits a longer pulse, reducing peak output.

Backlight (Sun Behind Model)

1. Situation: Model in shadow, sun creates natural rim.

2. Variation A (No HSS):

· Shutter: 1/250 s | Aperture: f/11

· Achieve powerful full-output flash plus pronounced sunburst.

3. Variation B (With HSS):

· Open aperture for shallow depth of field.

· AD400 Pro retains sufficient power even in HSS.

Blocking the Sun with the Model

1. Technique: Have the model fully block the sun—creating a clean rim light without flare.

2. Flash Control: Shape flash to add contrast and stylized shadows.

3. Benefit: Flexibility to craft bold, high-contrast portraits without worrying about overexposed sky.

That’s my approach to dominating midday sun with flash—from filling to taking full control of light. I’m Zhuoya. See you in the next one.