Bluebird Chic ambassador Jeanni of J Kutz Photography shares her best tips for capturing the beauty of summer even in harsh sunlight.
Capturing the beauty of summer moments can be just as sweet as summer berries, but dealing with harsh summer light is often difficult. So here are some tips for capturing those sweet summer moments without letting the bright summer sun sour your photos.
Ever wonder why photographers call that summer sun harsh? Although we loving watching our littles playing in the bright sunlight, and the way the summer sun can light a field of flowers can be breathing taking, that intense light is harsh in our photos. Bright light often blows out or creates an intensely bright spot in our photos. The sun can be so bright that we lose all of the color and magic of the images we are trying to take, and we are left with a whitewashed out images.
So how do we capture images in the bight summer sun?
TIP # 1 – Look for open shade.
The number one tip to capturing beautiful summer images in intense bright sunlight is to find open shade. Open shade is that sweet spot where there is complete shade coverage and still open sky overhead. Often times open shade can be found on the side of a large building or on the edge of a wooded area. The open shade will cut down on the harsh light and give you an even soft light that is great on skin tones.
TIP # 2 – Shoot earlier or later in the day.
Finding open shade isn’t always an option, for example taking photos in an open berry field. When you plan to take photos in a bright open area try planning your photo shoot either earlier in the morning or in the evening. Midday sun is the most harsh, so I suggest avoiding the middle of the day and aim for taking photos in when the sun is softer.
Tip #3 – Create your own shade.
Another tip to deal with the harsh bright sun is to create your own shade. Creating your own open shade can be as easy as using your subject to block the harsh summer sun. Try positioning your subject in front of the sun so that the subject casts a small shadow. This technique is great for capturing smaller details of summer.
TIP #4 – Change your camera settings.
Even with all these tips and tricks, bright harsh summer light can still be difficult to tame. Make sure that when you are shooting summer photos that you are working with the settings on your camera. To avoid blowing out your summer photos in the intense sun try bumping up your shutter speed, while bringing your ISO down.
Whether you are finding open shade, shooting at the evening hour, or changing your camera settings, get out there and capture those summer moments. They will be your sweetest treat this summer season.
Jeanni, originally born and raised in St. Paul MN, has traveled the country and world searching for a place to call home. She is mom to a crew of 4 littles; 1 boy and 3 girls. After a 7 year career as an early childhood teacher for 7 years, Jeanni is now proud to be working as a full-time mom. The bittersweet emotions of watching her children grow to quickly motivated her to pick up a camera and become a photographer. Photography is her heart’s work and she loves to capture joyful, natural moments. As a lover of natural light, Jeanni strives for fresh and airy images. She also has a deep love for her husband, a strong cup of coffee, the color white, and all things vintage. It is truly her great joy to share her work with you at jkutzphotography.com
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