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...
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!
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?
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!
This may be a silly question, but how would you go about exposing for someone’s skin?
Thanks in advance!
Megan
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! -Emily
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!
Thank you for sharing! These tips were so helpful. I can’t wait to try them out. You do amazing family and child photography!
Thanks everyone! I’m glad this was helpful:)
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!
awesome – thanks for sharing these awesome tips about shooting with backlighting and in full day sun. I appreciate it 🙂
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Cute photo with big and little brother! These are some great tips
Great job trying to inform your clients and fellow photogs.
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 😉
Hi Deanna! I get asked about my coloring processing a lot! I might just have to write a tutorial on that:)
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!
Wow what amazing points you have brought up here! Thank you for the great photography help.
You do beautiful work! What a great post with some really helpful tips. Thank you for sharing!
Nice picture and thanks for your tips
Beautiufl! Love the processing!
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!
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 🙂
Great full sun shooting tips – and cute photo too!
The light at high noon can be just as gorgeous as sunset with these tips. I love this photo of the two kids.
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.
Thank for the great tips! Phoenix is so lucky to have such a knowledgeable photographer
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!!
Great tips! I always dread shooting in mid day sun