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3 Simple Tips for Shooting in Full Sunlight

Are you a natural light photographer who tries to stay far away from shooting portraits in full sun? I used to be, too. It can be tricky to get pleasing portraits when the sun is bright and there is little shade. But, it can be done! Keep reading to learn the 3 Simple Tips for Shooting in Full Sunlight!




Imagine yourself outside on a beautiful, sunny day. There is not a cloud in the sky and the bright sun is right overhead. There are very few areas of shade and the shade that there is is dappled with light. For natural light photographers, this could be a nightmare! Shooting a photo in bright, full sunlight is no easy task.  It is difficult to work with the harsh shadows and squinty eyes on a sunny day. For that reason, the majority of my family and child photo sessions are scheduled in the late afternoon when the sunlight is soft and flattering. However, shooting at noon on a bright sunny day can be done..and look good!

Check out my three quick tips for shooting in full sun.

Easy ways to shoot portraits when the sun is bright.(Portrait shot in full sun with 135mm lens at f/2.8, 1/800,ISO100)

 

Background

Take a look around the area you want to take a picture. If there is nice closed shade or solid shade, I’d choose that spot first. However, if there is no shade, assess your surroundings and select an area where there will be a background other than solid sky in your photo. For example, there might be trees, bushes or a building in the distance that you can capture in the background. Look through the frame of your camera and position yourself so that the bright sky is not the majority of your background.

Backlighting

This is most important if you want to eliminate squinty eyes. Position your subjects as best you can so that they are facing away from the light. Make sure that the sun is either directly behind them or slightly to the side. You will be facing the sun. The brightness of the day will still illuminate their faces, but the direct sun won’t blind them.

Metering Mode

Check your camera’s manual for how to change the metering mode on your camera. Change the metering mode to spot metering. On my Canon Mark ii, the symbol on the screen looks like a solid black dot. Then expose the photo on your subject’s skin.

Now you give it a try! Just follow these 3 simple tips for shooting in full sunlight. It’s definitely one of the more difficult lighting situations to shoot in, but keep practicing and you’ll start to get some pretty good shots. The photo below was taken just before noon in full sun. There was not a cloud in the sky (as there rarely is in Phoenix). Using all the above tips, I was able to capture a well lit portrait with no harsh shadows on the face or closed eyes.

For more tips on working with light, check out my articles on backlighting or working with open shade!

Now you try! Leave me a comment and let me know how it worked for you!

Ahwatukee Photographer for family and children Tips for shooting with your camera in direct sunlight

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  • Tina MMarch 8, 2019 - 11:30 am

    Such great tips for shooting a session in full sun! I struggle with this and I’m happy that I was able to find this post! ReplyCancel

  • NickyDecember 24, 2017 - 12:04 pm

    Is it the same principle for doing large family photography in full sun .. what settings would you recommend and would you point towards middle person to get all in focus? ReplyCancel

    • Cozy Clicks PhotographyDecember 27, 2017 - 10:11 am

      Hi Nicky! Yes. I might choose settings that were a little narrower for the apture and high for shuuter speed if the sun were full and bright. Also, aim at the middle AND closest person to you to get all in focus. Good luck!ReplyCancel

  • MeganMarch 1, 2017 - 1:13 am

    This may be a silly question, but how would you go about exposing for someone’s skin?

    Thanks in advance!

    MeganReplyCancel

    • Cozy Clicks Photography LLCMarch 1, 2017 - 7:37 am

      Not a silly question at all Megan! You’ll want to set your metering mode to spot metering. Then, when you look through the viewfinder on your camera aim one of those red dots (your focal points) on the skin of your subject. Watch the light meter below to see if it is lined up in the middle. ( I talk a little more about manual and getting the right exposure here
      Hope that helps! -EmilyReplyCancel

  • Michelle FlowersJanuary 31, 2015 - 8:01 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing these amazing tips and I just love the photo’s you shared with us today!! Those little boys are adorable and after reading your tips I saw what you were talking about ex. the sun behind the little boys!! Phoenix Arizona has got to be a really cool place to photograph families and children!ReplyCancel

  • Jessica CJanuary 31, 2015 - 5:07 pm

    Thank you for sharing! These tips were so helpful. I can’t wait to try them out. You do amazing family and child photography!ReplyCancel

  • SugaShoc PhotographyJanuary 31, 2015 - 6:29 am

    Thank you so much for giving us these wonderful tips for shooting in full sun! I always have such a hard time shooting in full sun!ReplyCancel

  • sarah sweetmanJanuary 30, 2015 - 8:44 pm

    awesome – thanks for sharing these awesome tips about shooting with backlighting and in full day sun. I appreciate it 🙂ReplyCancel

  • BrendenJanuary 30, 2015 - 7:15 pm

    It’s always funny when I get clients that are so excited its a beautiful bright sunny day and all I’m thinking is NOOOOO!! These tips are great for those situations. I especially love the backlight image. That is always a great solution.ReplyCancel

  • Christine DJanuary 30, 2015 - 4:08 pm

    That is a beautiful full sun portrait! I never would have guessed it was that time of day! A true professional photographer really understands light and how to work with any kind of light and situation. Arizona families can certainly count on your skills to capture great child and family portraits!ReplyCancel

  • KatieJanuary 30, 2015 - 2:41 pm

    Love the picture! How did you keep the background from being blown out? I feel like anytime I meter for the face when its bright outside the background gets way blown out. Thanks in advance!ReplyCancel

    • Cozy Clicks Photography LLCJanuary 31, 2015 - 6:32 pm

      Hi Katie! In full sun try to choose a background that has midtones similar to the face, like in this picture. If you meter for the face and the background is the sky, it is sure to be blown. Also, use spot metering and that should help. Sometimes, you just can’t help it and the background will blow.ReplyCancel

  • DawnJanuary 30, 2015 - 12:33 pm

    I think just about every photographer dreads having to shoot in full sun. I love the tips you’ve provided. They will surely come in handy the next time I have an outdoor session scheduled on a beautiful sunny day!ReplyCancel

  • Alexia GarciaJanuary 30, 2015 - 12:16 pm

    Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips! I agree, as a photographer shooting in direct sunlight can be challenging but knowing the proper way to do it you can easily achieve some great images just like the one you shared! Great job!ReplyCancel

  • Esther EdithJanuary 30, 2015 - 10:33 am

    Cute photo with big and little brother! These are some great tipsReplyCancel

  • JennyJanuary 30, 2015 - 6:47 am

    Great job trying to inform your clients and fellow photogs.ReplyCancel

  • DeannaJanuary 30, 2015 - 6:20 am

    Great tips! I can’t believe that is Phoenix Arizona in the picture. I automatically think of cactus and desert, but it’s a gorgeous backdrop! Thank you Emily/Cozy Clicks for sharing your tricks. Maybe in a future blog you can share how you edit to get those rich beautiful colors 😉ReplyCancel

  • AmandaJanuary 29, 2015 - 5:17 pm

    What great photography advice for someone starting to learn how to shoot outside in the sun. I bet in Phoenix you have some amazing sunsets!ReplyCancel

  • KAtieJanuary 29, 2015 - 2:42 pm

    Wow what amazing points you have brought up here! Thank you for the great photography help.ReplyCancel

  • melanieJanuary 29, 2015 - 2:24 pm

    You do beautiful work! What a great post with some really helpful tips. Thank you for sharing!ReplyCancel

  • GonzaloJanuary 29, 2015 - 2:05 pm

    Nice picture and thanks for your tipsReplyCancel

  • Ruth BlochJanuary 29, 2015 - 1:32 pm

    Beautiufl! Love the processing!ReplyCancel

  • Hilary BeaumontJanuary 29, 2015 - 12:45 pm

    What a great set of tips for shooting in mid-day sun! I know I’ve been intimidated by it in the past but you really nailed it! Beautiful child photography out of Phoenix!ReplyCancel

  • HannahJanuary 29, 2015 - 9:36 am

    Great tips! It is great to be able to know how to shoot mid-day since most little ones are heading to bed during golden hour 🙂ReplyCancel

  • CoreyJanuary 28, 2015 - 12:23 pm

    Great full sun shooting tips – and cute photo too!ReplyCancel

  • Patricia KnightJanuary 28, 2015 - 11:54 am

    The light at high noon can be just as gorgeous as sunset with these tips. I love this photo of the two kids.ReplyCancel

  • EmilyJanuary 28, 2015 - 10:37 am

    Great tips! No reason to be afraid of full sun, and you have it down! I shoot film and love shooting in full sun now.ReplyCancel

  • AngelaJanuary 28, 2015 - 9:41 am

    Thank for the great tips! Phoenix is so lucky to have such a knowledgeable photographerReplyCancel

  • Mary AnneJanuary 28, 2015 - 8:36 am

    Emily, your family and children’s photography is absolutely beautiful. And now I know why – you have a great understanding of how to skillfully use light! These tips are so great and the above image shot on a cloudless Phoenix day demonstrates it perfectly. Beautiful work!!ReplyCancel

  • CarolynJanuary 27, 2015 - 7:22 pm

    Great tips! I always dread shooting in mid day sunReplyCancel

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