Photographers love the golden hour–moments when the sun is rising or setting and casting a softer, redder light. But it’s not always practical to shoot portraits during these golden hours, especially if you’re not the type to rise at the crack of dawn ready to work.

If you’re faced with some harsh, noonday sun, photographer Manny Ortiz has created this useful video tutorial which shows you some strategies for coaxing great portraits from otherwise difficult environmental conditions using a single off-camera flash and a soft box.

Manny’s Settings: Sony A9/ 135mm batis/ ISO100/ F2.8/ 1/5000

Flashpoint xplor w/ 38-inch parapop on left, 1/4 power

“I did not meter the scene because I don’t use light meters. I simply expose for the background and then adjust flash power accordingly.”

Don’t Miss: How to Recreate the Golden Hour at Any Hour

Hat tip: Peta Pixel