Here Comes The Sun
I avoid shooting in full sun like the plague. But, there are times when you just can’t get around it. For professional photographers it is important to educate your clients about the best times of day to shoot. I won’t take on a shoot if the client can only do it midday because their pictures won’t look like the pictures in my portfolio and I don’t want anyone to be disappointed. For weddings there may not be a way to get around shooting midday. So, I’m always looking for open shade. But, for everyday snapshots of your kids open shade may not be available and you probably can’t get them to stay in one place anyways.
When shooting in full sun I’m always looking at the shadows on my subjects face. Typically I want the sun to be to their back (this will create less shadows). And I always expose for the person rather than the background. I don’t care if the background is totally blown out as long as the subject looks good.
These pictures I took of Brayden and Chuck at the beach were taken around 11:30am on a totally bright and sunny day. I positioned myself so the sun was behind them and paid close attention to shadows on their faces.
Canon 5D, 50 1.2
f 2.8, 1/2500 ISO 125
f 2.8, 1/4000, ISO 125
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
Thank you again for all of your photography tips. I enjoyed this one!
.-= Marla´s last blog ..Four years ago today…. =-.
This topic is the reason I hesitate taking my camera to the park when my kids go and play in the summer. I’m always disappointed with the lighting. I think you did an excellent job on these!
.-= Jess´s last blog ..The new girl in school =-.
Great tip! Thank you!
.-= Bethp´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Beantown =-.
So cute! That first picture is to die for!
Great pictures! Thanks for the info, shooting in full sun is so hard to avoid with little ones. Really helpful post.
PS-You’re absolutely right about the 24-70/2.8 lens, THE #1 lens for us Momtogs!!
.-= blissmamaof3´s last blog ..Indian summer, sort of =-.
these are adorable photos of your hubby and son! I had to shoot my daughters one year photos the other day in full sun but I tried to keep the sun behind her which proved to be pretty hard since she’s walking all over the place
.-= misty smith´s last blog ..My baby girl is One. personal =-.
This is so cool to read. Forever, in my childhood, we had to stand & smile with the full sun in our eyes, avoiding sharp edged shadows. I prefer your “opposite” approach. Certainly more comfy for the subjects, and the way these look, with better results too. Thanks!
great tip! thanks drew
you rock
Love them! Yep, direct sun is the enemy!
.-= Brandi´s last blog ..Weight Loss in Chaos =-.
Question: how can one shoot at f/2.8 and still get the people in focus. I struggle with this. I can be close to my kids and try and shoot wide open and everything will be soft.
great advice! thanks.
.-= Jen Hill´s last blog ..Life =-.
Drew, Do you spot meter on their skin? And a big thanks for all your great posts.
~Patti
Also Drew, I wanted to let you know that I purchased the UNposing Guide and took it on a shoot a few weeks back and my photos were some of my BEST EVER! It is a wonderful tool to use for families. Thank you so much for creating it. It is darling and is easy for the families to look as as well to get an idea of the poses that I am going for. It was well worth the investment! It also helped me up with some of my own ideas…all because of your inspiration. Thank you so much! ~Patti
I too run from bright sun! But good grief girl, these pictures are incredible! I LOVE them!
.-= Bobbie Brown´s last blog ..Brooklyn =-.
GORGEOUS!!!! I would be framing these
LOL
Yep full sun sucks :p I just did a destination wedding and there was NO shade to be found. I was in a panic but luckily pulled it off.
Your son is the best little model. He is so cute even when his crying. I also have a question about metering. Did you meter on them before taking the shot and did you meter with your camera? Any suggestions for metering during a shoot?
You seriously have the most beautiful child! Love these shots!!
you know what I heart about your photos is how you don’t have lots of red tons in the faces, but the lips are still pretty colored. Really beautiful!
.-= Noel´s last blog ..I Heart Faces – Bundled Up =-.