Photo Tips

Shooting into the Sun Creates More Drama: Before and After Example!

Me Ra Koh

Shooting into the sun makes all the difference if you want more drama in a photo.  When I first started taking photos, I LOVED the fact that I lived in one of the cloudiest cities of America.  Overcast days were GREAT for a beginning portrait photographer because I never had to deal with harsh sun, shadows, etc.  But as I progressed in understanding light, I began to see how much of a difference shooting into the sun makes.  Check this Before and After photo example out!

Check out this photo for the election shoot we did for SONY.  It was an overcast day, clouds everywhere, and this was one of my favorite flag photos.  I loved the energy in it.  But it also felt a little flat.  However, I know the reason it feels flat is because there wasn’t any bright sun to shoot into.

 

Me Ra Koh shows you how to create drama in photos by shooting into the sun

Disney wanted us reshoot the kids in costume.  And guess what?  The sun was OUT!  Oh yeah BABY! 🙂  Check out this “after” photo of Pascaline with the flag, but this time the sun is bright and shining on the other side of the stars.  What a difference, right?!  Here’s the Disney episode to watch!

Me Ra Koh shows you how to create drama in photos by shooting into the sun

Same field, same tree line, same time of day, same sweet girl and same itchy costume.  🙂  BUT, not the same sun.

DSLR Settings for all of you who LOVE em!

For the Before Photo with no sun:  ISO was 400, Aperture was down at f/2.8 and Shutter Speed was 1/250 sec (250).

For the After Photo, check out what happens with the settings:  ISO 100 (since I have a ton of bright light, I can use the lower ISO to get better color saturation and vividness).  Aperture was still f/2.8 to soften the background.  But Shutter Speed was 1/640 sec (640).  With more light, I need my shutter speed to move faster.

Be Kind to Yourself

When you get done taking photos and feel disappointed with how “flat” they look, take a moment to identify where the sun is in your images.  If it was an overcast day, you can’t get the golden light and vivid feel that a sunset will give.  If it was a bright day, were you shooting into the sun to increase the drama?  So many people tell me their photos are flat and wonder if it’s their camera or lack of creative ability.  The sun has soooo much to do with it.  Before the sun sets, take out your camera, even smartphone, and play around with shooting into the sun.

One More Secret…

Even when I’m indoors, I’m shooting into the sun!

Me Ra Koh shows you how to create drama in photos by shooting into the sun

Helpful?  If yes, will you share/pin it?!  Gracias!  🙂

Be sure to check out our upcoming 2-Day Confidence Workshop!  Spots go fast!

xo,

m

p.s.  Watch more fun photo and family adventure tips from TV on our YouTube channel!

 

 

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  1. Janice Fenwick says:

    I am just so happy you are back!!

  2. Sarah Nguyen says:

    Great advice, Me Ra! I haven’t shot into the sun much, but this gives me some inspiration to try.
    It’s great to have you blogging again! I’ve missed your posts!

  3. Carrie Yuan says:

    “Same itchy costume” LOVE it! What time of day did you shoot the sun photo?

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  5. […] That striking light adds drama to your photo.  And when you use something like a flag (see yesterday’s example), autumn leaves or flowers (see this summer’s post) as objects to BLOCK the bright […]

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