Give the sun a second look - taking photographs in sunlight - Brief Article - Cover Story

PSA Journal, Feb, 1998 by A.A. Woolley

The best source of light for photography is the sun. Unfortunately, all too many people do not take advantage of it. In the early years before corrected lenses were commonplace, there was a directive published with every roll of film. It said, "Put the sun over your shoulder for best results." This rule seems to be as much in use today as it was in George Eastman's pioneering days of film making.

Granted, predictable results will be the order, but there will be an absence of drama or excitement with this kind of lighting.

There are three ways you can use the sun effectively.

1 . Seek shadows that create a depth to your photographs.

2. Use backlighting to accentuate the subject or scene. A strong halo-glow will outline the shapes.

3. Include the sun as part of the composition.

By placing the sun to either your right or left, shadows will help to accentuate the depth of any scene. The greater the angle (right or left) the longer will be the shadows. By using the shadows as compositional lines you can add both design and drama to a photograph. One requisite for seeing shadows is "look down." The patterns of shapes formed by the shadows will often determine the content of your photograph. Don't be reluctant to probe the darkness of shadows. If you want more detail, open the lens one stop. Normally, no adjustment in exposure is necessary.

Backlighting is the most under-used technique of illuminating photographs. Perhaps it is a fear of damaging the camera shutter by pointing it directly into the sun. Whatever the fear, there is no foundation for it. A hood for the lens will soften or prevent flare that could be unwanted, but no harm will come to the camera. Due to the increased level of light with backlighting, more careful calculation of exposure is essential. In fact, the technique of bracketing (one stop over, one stop under) will assure at least one exposure that is correct. If the situation is questionable, bracket two or more stops. I have traveled all over the world and have used backlighting for strong and effective compositions many times. Mundane scenes have become exciting with the strength of lighting.

When the sun is part of the composition, backlighting is also used. Shooting into the sun with the sun brightly beaming, assures a dramatic result. Often the flare of light produces a pattern unique in itself. A focal plane shutter is not as likely to flare as a leaf shutter. Exposure is a problem using the sun. Seldom can you get an accurate meter reading by pointing the meter at the sun. A yellow, orange or even red filter will help to reduce the brightness and bring the film speed in line with the light level. For cameras with built-in meters, placing a filter over the lens will show the effect as well as the result. Another filter that is effective is the wire pattern. The cross-hairs of a four or eight point star will enhance the pattern and design.

Lighting is essential to photography. The name is defined as "painting with light." The sun is the best source of light for the majority of outdoor situations. Flash is to be avoided because it reduces or eliminates the drama of sun and shadows. Less concern should be made about "open" shadows and more attention given to the drama possible with the light and dark patterns from the sun. There is a never-ending list of opportunities for one of the three uses of the sun. Apply them.

If you are tired of photographs with little or no drama, look more investigatingly at your subjects. Walk around. Study the lighting. Observe the texture which lights and shadows create. Don't settle for a record tourist shot. Find the combination of details, textures a light that commands attention.