The sun can be a photographer’s best friend or worst enemy. By understanding and capturing the light of the sun in the right way a photographer can create beautiful light photos. In her article, “Sunshine: My Favorite Light Source,” Melinda Smith discusses a few of the “DOs” when it comes to lighting your photographs with the sun.
- DO pay attention to how the light falls on your subject’s face
- DO try backlighting
- DO use backlighting at any time of day
- DO move yourself around
- DO use poles, trucks, bushes, or whatever is there to manipulate the light to your advantage
- DO pay attention to the clothes YOU are wearing
- DO use your subjects and your own body to work the sun
- DO experiment with the sun directly lighting your subject
- DO keep in mind that it is hard for people to not squint when they are looking into the sun
- DO use front lighting when you want a dark background
- DO use the sun for beautiful portraits
- DO become a light watcher
There are endless possibilities when it comes to using the sun as your light source. It is just important to never give up. Just because it’s a little overcast outside doesn’t mean that the light is ruined. It just means that you have a little bit of a softer light that day. Have fun and capture the sun!
You can read Melinda Smith’s full article about sunshine at http://digital-photography-school.com/sunshine-my-favorite-light-source/.
