For many of us, the prospect of capturing summer vacation memories with a camera is an exciting one. Whether it’s a Polaroid camera, a standard DSLR, or your phone, everyone enjoys taking photos in summer. Unfortunately, one factor always seems to limit the results at this time of year: the sun. Unpredictable as it is, sunlight can make or break a photo. Below are a few reminders to help you take better photos in the sun.
1. Turn on the flash
It may seem counterintuitive to turn on your camera’s flash in bright, direct sunlight, but this tip can be very useful. When shooting in the sun, we have to contend with something known in photography as raccoon eyes. This term refers to the shadows that form around a subject’s eyes in direct sunlight.
Using your camera’s flash can help prevent raccoon eyes and brighten other shadows that appear while taking photos. The same principle applies when using a smartphone: turn on the flash to soften harsh shadows.
2. Avoid direct sunlight
The most obvious tip is to avoid direct sunlight. It not only makes taking the photo more difficult, but also gives your photos a washed-out look, increases color saturation, and creates unusually high contrast. Simply put, avoiding direct sunlight should be at the top of your list when taking photos.
Of course, sunlight cannot always be avoided. In those situations, shade is your best option. Whether it is something you create yourself or even the smallest patch beneath a tree, shade can make a big difference in reducing the effects of sunlight on your photos.
3. Use a lens hood
If you do not have the patience to use natural methods to reduce the sun’s effect on your photos, a lens hood is always a good option. A lens hood is a useful accessory that attaches to the end of your camera lens and acts as a shield, blocking the sun or other light sources to prevent glare or lens flare. You can buy a lens hood for around ten euros, and it gives you the extra control you need to keep the sun from negatively affecting your photos.
4. Use the sun
Unlike the second tip, it is not always easy to avoid direct sunlight and find shade. When neither method is practical, you may have to deal with direct sunlight in your photos. Do not worry, though! It is fairly easy to use direct sunlight to your advantage and still achieve great results.
Also read: 5 tips for shooting on sunny days.
