How To Photograph In Harsh Midday Light
Вставка
- Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
- Watch Part 2 - • How To Photograph Hars...
Head to www.squarespace.com/romanfox to save 10% off your first purchase.
In this video I cover how to photograph in harsh light.
PRESETS, BOOKS & GUIDES:
www.snapsbyfox.com/shop
NEWSLETTER:
www.snapsbyfox.com/newsletter
BLOG:
www.snapsbyfox.com/blog
FIND ME ON:
Instagram: / snapsbyfox
Twitter: / snapsbyfox
ALL GEAR & SOFTWARE I USE:
www.snapsbyfox.com/my-gear
CONTACT ME ON:
Email: hello@snapsbyfox.com
Web: www.snapsbyfox.com
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:16 - Contrast & Exposure
03:06 - Simplify Your Scene
04:36 - Colour
06:15 - Reflection & Diffusion
Thank you for the great response to this!
Just published a part 2 to this video. Check it out here - ua-cam.com/video/ME_0DwHj9BE/v-deo.html
Best advice I've heard about not fighting against high or low contrast. I've never thought of it that way.
Same
Me too - it's something I noticed in editing that I'd run into with my photos and now it just makes so much more sense. Don't fight the low contrast in your low contrast scenes. Just work around it or embrace it. I almost didn't click this video but I'm glad I did!
yeah it feels so obvious after he said it
Yes, 100%. I've been taking photos as a hobby for 20 years and never thought to do this. Just goes to show how easy it is to get stuck in your ways.
Yes.
You are so right.. as a non-morning-person, harsh light is my default 😂
Yep you get used to harsh light when you don’t get up early ha
Thank you. At least one person realises that most of us have 9-5 jobs, and that 2:00pm on Saturday is the only free time to shoot. Great tips, many thanks.
This video is possibly the most unexpected and silent game changer in my photography experience. I'm surprised, but I've always tried to reduce the contrast trying to save as many details as it is possible. I've never thought if I could do it another way. I think even composing a frame will be different for me from now on. Thanks, Roman!
I agree. With these tips, I will be Abel to get out more.
Same here! The tip to add or remove contrast in the editing process so it supplements the contrast in the original photo was something I surprisingly have never heard before, yet it makes so much sense
I found that I keep trying to do '___ as much', be it overall image quality, highlights, color accuracy etc. It's like being stuck in an infinite camera and lens test mode instead of actually using it to have fun and be creative. It can be an easy trap to fall into but thankfully it's pretty easy to get out of - just go look at random photos and analyze the ones you like. You'll find that most have things that would probably irk you if they were your edits, but the overall effect still works and no one - including you - doesn't care for lost shadow highlight in the corner, or the slightly soft and grainy image etc. It's eye opening :D
I love this channel. In an era of "my camera is better than yours" or "I have to buy a new gear so my photos can be better" type of stuff you just release those chillout videos with great photos and some nice advices. Keep up the good work.
😅
😂
Never been more excited for a video because like you said I have family and work so going out at sunset or sunrise is near impossible
I hope it's helpful. There is nothing groundbreaking here, just some things which I have found to work for me.
Thanks for the video. Great tips for working within the confines of the lighting conditions that we often find ourselves shooting in. Many times I've heard it stated that one should not bother shooting in mid-day. But as you've indicated, this may not be practical. One additional thing that comes to mind is that if you are on a trip with friends or family, you still want to capture the memories throughout the day regardless of whether the light is ideal or not. When I used to work in a city, I would go out during my lunch break, grab a quick bite to eat, and then photograph the town. I've gotten many photos during those times that I cherish.
Thanks for the tips. One thing I look for are interesting shadows during harsh light conditions. Shadows may not be as drawn out or elongated as during golden hour, but they are more defined.
Great point!
Great video with some very practical suggestions. I had never considered that a more busy/cluttered scene would accentuate an already contrasty image, but as I look back at some of my images I realize that is 100% true.
Very helpful video! As a photographer based in Phoenix, AZ, harsh light is a thing. I’ve tried most of these approaches at some point or another, but your idea about putting on a longer lens is something I haven’t tried to help mitigate the challenges of harsh light. I’ll give that a try once this oven summer subsides. Thanks!!
Hi, I live in Australia and I get your pain! I have had some success using high ISO and electronic shutter for higher shutter speeds. Then, use a product like Topaz DeNoise to get rid of the noise without killing the details.
I live in a border county in SW Texas. I hear you, brother. It is great for infrared but I worry right now which would melt first. Me or my old IR converted DSLR. Once it cools below fast eggs on the sidewalk weather I'll try some of these tips myself.
It was only because of Fujifilm jpegs that I learned hard light needs Contrast down and Saturation boost to look right. I never noticed how much the sun makes everything look bleach bypass when I was shooting raw. 😂
Two more ways of embracing harsh midday light that I use fairly regularly are seeking or deliberately placing subjects in open shade with its nice diffusion, or consciously including the sun in the frame to produce dramatic sunbursts.
You can get some pretty amazing light effects by converting vintage lenses to work with your digital camera. While they tend to flare a bit, they are also tuned for use during the day. So you can get some pretty awesome shots with them. The light flares themselves are really cool. Far better than the fake "added in post" photoshop effects that many people use. I've been buying up vintage lenses, and they really are such an overlooked aspect of modern photography.
Thanks for the video and tips, I live in Malta and harsh light is the order of most of the day! I usually head for modern architecture areas to capture areas of high contrast in B/W whilst trying to include human figures as well.
As a landscape and architecture photographer, I accept and sometimes embrace harsh light. Recently shooting some wrecked boats in their surrounding terrain, harsh light added to the drama. Softer light is preferable in most cases but if that means missing the shot... Like your tip on reflections btw.
i miss read that at first and saw 'boots' instead of 'boats', but it made me think of some of the great mid-west and 4-corners shots of cowboys i've seen. the harsh light helps tell the story in those cases, hard life and hard light. another good example of working with what you've got instead of trying to struggle against it
Teaching photography is not to everyone but you excel at it. Stimulating others creativity is a are gift, you received it and use it very well .Thank you.
2:28 Very nice advice, it's easy to fall in the habbit of just boast contrast and saturation for everything, because more is better. 😄
Great Vid man. Nobody has talked about these things in this way - some great thoughts. Just one other. I'm an events photographer in Perth, Western Australia and nearly all of the gigs I shoot are kind of between 10am and 3pm. Perth is very well known for bright days, clear blue skies and lots of sun all year around. Long story, but I have battled for a long time shooting people professionally in horrible midday sun. I've finally found a solution now where I always shoot with my Godox V1 in HSS daylight balanced fill flash.. It's made such a difference with no more racoon eyes and harsh shadows on faces. I tone the flash down my placing a negative 1 2/3rd stop setting on it and the camera does the rest with TTL. It never looks like I've used flash, my customers have commented on how great the images look and I don't have to stress about shooting anymore in harsh light. I even shot a full wedding a month ago in bright, harsh light with my flash and the folks were very pleased with their images. I'm not sure why more photographers don't talk about or use daylight balanced, HSS fill flash (of course not much use for sceneries, landscape or perhaps street), but great for anything to do with people - which is all I ever shoot.
Not fighting against high or low -> The best obvious advice that I never even thought of! I already tried and love the results, love the film like vibes it also gives :)
It's so easy to get caught up in all the super advanced gear and editing tools we have at our disposal these days, that's why I love content with the focus on the fundamentals of photography. Ultimately, it all begins and ends with a good shot. I really believe that.
Solid advice in this video, man. Thank you.
I took your advice, Roman, and just tried boosting the contrast in a high contrast scene and the images went from muddy to much more interesting. Thanks for that tip! We have very bright light in Texas and the Golden Hour is also the mosquito hour, so avoiding it is paramount in the spring and summer.
This is awesome, man. Thank you.
Excellent video, and man, gorgeous photos. It’s so easy to see exactly what you’re talking about while showing off your excellent eye for subjects.
Tourist especially. We dont stay at the area long enough usually. So we may take photo or video anytime. This is a useful video
Great advice.. thanks. I usually try to think black & white images during the daytime with flat light.
As someone who has a 9-5 job and family commitments, the time I do get to go out and shoot, means I have to deal with harsh afternoon light, or boring grey flat light.
These videos really help in learning how to cope and master these types of lighting conditions.
Thanks, Roman.
Very international b-roll and very insightful suggestions. Good job
This is the most practical guide I've seen yet to deal with the harsh light of the midday Sun. Well done - cheers!
The best I’ve ever seen this topic covered by far with lots of great points and fabulous images. Thank you
Thank you for the excellent ideas. I've probably seen 4 or 5 videos on shooting in midday and the advice has always been wait for it to get cloudy...or something along those lines. This is the first video on the subject that provided useful information. Also, your photos are exceptional.
Classic Fox, very practical down to earth advice.
finally someone who is talking about real photography skills. Thank you so much for your video! I love the contrast.
What sold me in this vid was definitively your beautiful photos. Man, I love your work.
Great video mate!
For a loooong loooooong time this is the most helpful single video you can run at on the whole UA-cam. Thank you!
I think generally "If it's not working, try something else" is a great rule with this stuff. 😹 Being playful and having an ongoing conversation with your camera and what's around you is the best way to enjoy photography. (And that includes not stressing about "required" stuff like times of day.)
Lots of cracking snaps in the video here, a joy to watch
I just wanna say thanks for all your work into creating your content. I bought my first mirrorless camera (Fujifilm X-T3, also based on your older reviews) last year and have been going through your videos. I find your videos just so straightforward, clean and also a fan of your photography.
We always learn so much from your videos! You explain things so well in a such organised and clear way, all with very good photo examples 🙏 Great work and lovely photographs!
As usual, really nice explanations and practical advice. Thanks for taking the time to put this together Roman. Have a rockin' week!
Finally, somebody with sympathy for those of us who don't have the time, the or the luxury to wait for the "golden hour" in the AM or PM. Thanks Roman for the down to earth, non-elitist advice on how to shoot under harsh day light! Thanks!! 🙏
this just just pure good advice, don't fight the contrast, work with it !
I really love your photos. Your level of skill is what I strive to achieve in my photography. Not sure I will ever be on your level, as I'm just a hobbyist, but at least I have a great example. ☺
Thank you! Oh you can easily get to my level and beyond. Just time and practice tbh.
Bro your video is amazing. Legit subscribed 3 mins into watching this, you made so many good point and same here, when it comes to can only get out in the midday! Definitely going to try a lot of these tips out !
Great tips Roman. Always learning something from your videos.
Some solid tips here, which is uncommon among the veritable barrage of "game changing" instructional videos that "take your photography to the next level".
great tips! I like the idea of going along with the contrast and not against it. never really thought about it that way.
Excellent video - learned so much. Loved advice to shoot longer lens in harsh light. Will take out my 85 mm and 70- 200 mm for these harsh light days.
I absolutely love shooting street/ architecture during the midday - especially high contrast scenes. Seeking geometry/ shades and highlights is incredibly rewarding.
I would like to thank UA-cam for recommending this piece of great work and thank you too for making this video.
A lot of times I find myself shooting in the midday sun and most of the times I look for contrast , light and shadow but lately I've been reading and learning more about colors and now I look for colors aswel. It's funny how you almost never think about looking for these things until you actually read a little about them... and then they kind of pop up in your head and you see them...
i've been into photography - and chasing it as a job opportunity - for 6 years now. Your video just made so many things make sense, with such simple explaining! Thank you.
the photos were so beautiful!
Excellent reflection on how to take good photos when you are a simple tourist on a tour!! Thank you so much! Best from Uruguay.
Great video Roman! You are so right about basically life happening and those magical golden hours just not being in the cards for a lot of us. Wishing you safe travels!
Very straight forward presentation style, hands on, free of gimmicks, perfect. Thank you!
I very rarely comment, but this is one of the most down to earth and impactful videos I’ve seen. Makes me want to run out and start trying out your tips. Brilliant work!
This was so helpful! I wish I had seen it before I went on my Europ vacation!! I was struggling with that midday sunlight everyday
I often shoot in harsh light. I do reduce the shadows. Thank you for this. For fine art shadows can be good.
Geez man. Thank you so very much. It’s been a while since I’ve challenged on UA-cam. You gave me a lot to think about and I’m excited to go out and practise the principles you’ve shared.
My tip is to shoot with narrow aperture - f13 and up - when looking for colors. This helps give the colors natural contrast and makes them pop since you are using the harsh sunlight to your advantage. This also gives photos that cinematic/moody look!
cool, i need to do that more, very occassionally i sneak up to f11, but i still shy away from f13. gotta remember to get up there on harsh light days
Polariser
yeah when i first started shooting street, and learned about sunny 16 i often went f16 f22 during strong mid day light, but as i progressed i leaned more towards f4
In this regard it's important to remember that your lense's "sweet spot" (where it is performing its best with regards to sharpenss throughout the whole frame and artifacts) is usually somewhere above 5.6 and perhaps lower than say 11. So going way above 11 may introduce undesireable decrease in sharpness.
@@Mort_Mortalso sensor dust
Apart of the advices I've found useful for me, I appreciate your calm demeanour and the quality of your images. They speak for themselves👍
Subscribed.
Thank you for this encouragement to go ahead and work with the conditions at hand. I’ve been trying to force the ‘right’ conditions in post, and know it really doesn’t work. Just leaving it be and working with what is available is reassuring after having struggled with the “right way” when the “wrong” conditions were what were available. . Keeping the composition minimal and clean, letting shadow work as part of the composition, and using color to clarify the scene are helpful takeaways. Although much of what I shoot doesn’t have wide color palette. I may just go out and shoot now..
Excellent! You covered this topic in very efficient and simple terms. I will be sure to put these tips to practice.
Thanks for this video ! As a father of two little boys and working full time, noon / harsh light is my only time for photography. This video helps a lot ✌️
such great advice thank you, I’ve been looking for tips like these for a while
As always your advice is super helpful. I’ll need to remember your bit on leaning into the contrast of a shot instead of fighting it in post.
Great photos! (and great advice). Really enjoyed this episode Roman. Thanks!
Great video! I love shooting midday.
Great vid man. Love it all. A lot of your shots inspired me to try and look at midday from a positive perspective
I love this video, I get so disappointed in videos titled "bad light" and then here about rain, snow and flat light, which is in fact great light for photography. It is harsh, filtered light in my mind that is challenging. So Thanks for sharing this, I particularly appreciate the perception of complex scenes bouncing too much light. That really resonated with me. I know you have done a second part, but if you have more observations please share. I am a landscape photographer mostly now, but your observations do help. I try to work with bounce too.
So good guide. I actually learned something and I've been struggling with harsh light alot. 👍
As an Istanbulite photographer, I admire your work and happy to see you in this city. You won a subscriber here! Good luck...
Really useful and a topic I don't see enough content about. This really changed the way I think about harsh midday light. Thanks!
These tips are invaluable, and this coming from a golden hr / blue hour devotee! Great work, Roman, and I love your channel!!!
Totally love this video, thank you for so good advices!
Thanks for your inspring me, a real novice photographer. I've been wodering if it would be possible to take rewarding pictures under the scorching summer sun. This video show me where I should go.
TQ for the tutorial buddy. Great images too.
Just here to say your shots are beautiful !
Thanks Roman. That's given me a lot to think about.
Great video. Thank you for covering such useful topics.
Wonderful indeed..
All the practical tips you shared is much appreciated. I have tried some earlier and was satisfied with the results.
Thank you for your precious info, Roman!
Lots of valuable insights here. Thanks so much.
You're the best! Thanks for the content!
Thank you, I am not an early morning person so your points were quite useful. 👍
This video is packed with awesome tips that come from years of experience. Thank you!
Thank you, I’ve been looking for photography advice to try and push my craft and I’ve been really struggling and your video finally gave me some practical advice that I can really use in apply.
Bonus points for calling out that not everybody has the privilege to shoot a golden hour.
Really good stuff, thanks, subscribed. 'Work with the light you've got, don't try to edit against it' is always a good reminder.
Great video, mate. Your channel is incredible. Thank you for the work you're doing. Keep it up.
I left a mist filter on by accident and decided to run with it that day. Some great results but I usually don’t like using filters as they lock the image into one look. Great video mate.
Good ideas all. One thing that I do (because there is way more midday time than golden hour), that you alluded to with the idea of using a longer lens, look for interesting details and close ups. Small things can be very interesting, in isolation. For this, the lens you have doesn't matter much. Use what you have to isolate a detail.
Yooo, this video helped me so much! You just put things in perspective for me cuz I normally shoot in daylight. I've really learned something today thanks Roman! 😃
Fantastic video! Will certainly try out these recommendations.
Absolutely killer tips! Amazing work👏🏼
Thanks Roman. Very interesting tips. Love your work
I love your style man ❤
very good tips, i enjoy your channel a lot. thank you Roman
Beautiful!
Great video! Thanks for the helpful suggestions.
Thanks Roman, excellent tips for someone who hates early mornings.