Find the light!

One of the difficult concepts to me way back as a young photographer was to find the open shade for great portraits. I think part of the problem was another concept, to get in closer. I could find nice open shade, but there was usually some bright direct light in the background or crossing through the image. But I eventually caught on. Here are some "behind the scenes" photos from the Moisture Festival that I've been photographing the past few weeks. A few of these are outside in the sun, some are backstage, and two are taken in a very dark theater.

For this and the next photo, my subject was
in the theater, but next to a large
door that let in skylight.
Sort of makes a gigantic ring light
as the door is right behind me.

This and the next photo are of volunteers
working in the ticket booth outside the
venue lit by indirect skylight

This photo was taken backstage
using a lighted mirror behind me
as the light. Again, like a ring light

These last two photos were taken
in a different theater that was almost
totally dark except for some light sconces
way up near the ceiling. I had my subject
stand where the light was falling and
had her turn towards the light.