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The Newbie Chronicles: Photography Tip of the Month

Remember the Newbie Chronicles I did a while back about being a new photographer with a camera and all of the things I was learning? I’ve decided to bring this series back. It was a weekly post, but I’ve decided to change it to a monthly post. Basically, a monthly post with photography tips I wish someone had told me about when I first started out.

Why?

First, because I really really love photography and think everyone should know how to take a good basic photo.  Next, because it just gives me an excuse to talk about what I’m learning( even after a year with this camera) everyday. It kind of reinforces, in my mind at least, things that I’ve been learning.  And I firmly believe in passing on info that I learn. Especially when it comes to photography.

So anyway, this month I wanted to talk about taking photos in midday sun.

When I first started taking photos, and was really getting into taking photography seriously, I was obsessed with when I could take photos. Sunrise and near sunset( the golden hours) was really the only time I  allowed myself to take photos outside.  I was afraid of photos in midday sun.  I was afraid of this:

photography tips/full sun

Squinting eyes, harsh light….blah blah blah.

Buuut. I was going over the notes from Shooting 201, a class that  I took over at Clickin Moms and the instructor( the awesome Lynne Rigby ) had a whole lesson on shooting in full sun.

SMH.

Now I took this class in February.

FEBRUARY.

Which just goes to show that you that with photography, you should never really stop learning.

I decided to try it out and came up with this.

Photography tips, full sun

In the middle of the day.  With the sun blazing!  No clouds!

But in the shade of my garage. 🙂

You see, Pookah was facing the sun, but he wasn’t IN it.

I’ve always struggled to get “Catch lights” , those little lights in the eyes that give them light. But with Pookah in the shade of the garage, facing the sun, I got them.

Now this photo is by no means perfect, but I posted it to show that you can get great photos in the middle of the day with a little creativity and thought.

Photography always gives me something new to learn. Everyday.

Now go out and shoot!

Note: these photos were shot with my Canon Rebel T3 and my Canon 50mm 1.4 Lens.

 

Jennifer

Thursday 30th of August 2012

Love that! I just got a new camera and am playing around with settings still - it's so frustrating going from camera phone and point-and-shoot to a "real" camera! LOL! I'm so used to auto!

Jessica

Thursday 16th of August 2012

Great job! I think it's important for everyone to remember that even if lighting conditions aren't perfect, there are still things that can be done to make them better. Finding shade, via a garage or tree, can make such a HUGE difference.

Sherelle

Thursday 16th of August 2012

The recent photo is so professional. Both photos look great! I'm not good with pictures, shading. lighting and all the details, so its nice to see what and how it should be done! Stopped by from SITS!

Cam - Bibs & Baubles

Thursday 16th of August 2012

that is a great photo. i have so much to learn, it's not even funny. for real. keep these posts coming please. i need the inspiration. at some point, i'll actually find the time to take some classes myself!

Amy

Thursday 16th of August 2012

That's great info! I have trouble with full sun too because a lot of our parks have no shade and my toddler's hat will block his face. That is a great angle for shooting a child with a hat on. Looks like you were a little bit lower than dead on?