Five Lighting Tips for Shooting at High Noon

While shooting at high noon may not be most photographer’s preferred time to work, beautifully lit images can still be created! It’s all about how you use the light, where you place your subject and how you expose your image. Here are five tips for shooting evenly lit photos in the harshest light:

Turn their faces away from the sun

You can always find an angle where your subject’s face is (mostly) shaded, even when shooting at high noon. Keep rotating them until most of the essential elements of their face is shaded, then expose for the shadows. Have them tilt down or hide in each other’s shadows, if needed.

Seek shade

If you can, seek coverage to help diffuse the light. Note: ducking under trees can result in splotchy light, so move your subjects around until their faces are shaded. You can also use a reflector (cardboard, or even a body) to cover them if its a closer up shot.

Find a north facing wall

…or a south facing wall if you’re south of the equator. These walls get very little sun, if any, so you’ll be guaranteed some shade.

Front light them

Like they say, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. If turning your subject away from the light isn’t possible, then front light them. Embrace the sun and expose for highlights.

Intentionally use it

Sometimes, it’s best to just go with it. Shooting at high noon can be challenging but comes with its own unique set of rewards.

For more tips on lighting and shooting, visit Caroline Tran’s blog here


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