How Do I Deal with the Sunshine in my Photos??

I have learned quickly that the best lighting for outdoor photos is when the sun is directly above you or completely overcast.  Strange, I know...but consider this: you want to get your child's face to be well lit, yet having your child face the sun only provides you with a "squinty-faced" photo, eyes barely open in order to even look at you with the sun in his/her face.  Some have told me to place the subject your are photographing looking away from the sun, but unless you have proper equipment to reflect light on his/her face the end result is a shadow-faced photo.

Capturing a photo with your child's
face 3/4ths facing the sun allow
your child to still be "lit" but also
allow for less "squinty-eyes"

When the sun is shining brightly, consider having your child standing so the sun is to his/her side, as well as yours.  You will have shadow issues, but this can be minimized if your child is actually 3/4ths facing the sun, yet looking at you.  In addition, editing will quickly become your friend by adding subtle light to the photo.

I recently came across a great article about the various types of light that a photographer can consider-- and if you find yourself looking for good tips on how to overcome some amateur photographer challenges, then visit www.cheapshooter.com for some quick tips and inexpensive equipment ideas! 

First day of school bus stop photos...don't have your kids looking directly into the sun (I've done it and don't really want squinty-photos!).  Try for the sun on your side and your child's side.  And most important...think about what is happening on that very morning. What is the story...carrying all those school supplies in a backpack or plastic bag? The size and weight of that backpack on your little one? How your child compares in height with his/her friends at the bus stop? And even the silly conversations and smiles that the children give one another--taking a photo from a distance is fine with a zoom lens!  Sometimes those smiles or serious faces tell even more of the story than we realize!

See you at the fields & rinks!