Opposite page photos: Morning. Top two photos above: Noon. Bottom two photos above: Night.
One of the most important lessons we learn when shooting sunrise or sunset is that it is best NOT to focus directly on the sun. First, it can damage your eyes if you’ re looking directly at the sun through your lens. Second, your camera will“ blow out” the highlights in the shot and your sun will be a big white blob of overblown space. Instead, try focusing on the light around the sun, or if there are clouds nearby, focus on them. For a more impressive shot, keep your sun off center in your shot— to the left or right, or below or above the middle. Think about what is most attention-grabbing in your scene. If it is the landscape below, include less sky. If the sky is full of interesting clouds, or better yet birds in flight, include less ground. Most importantly, get creative. Look beyond the beauty of the skies and capture some of the amazing details on the ground and all around you. Remember, because the sun is low, your subjects will be beautifully lit in ways the midday sun would never allow.
Speaking of the midday sun, many articles will tell you not to bother because the sun is too harsh for a good shot. I, and
many experts much smarter than I am, beg to differ. There is ALWAYS something to shoot, whatever time of day you are out and about. Look for natural shade for shooting portraits, or look for interesting details offering opportunities for macro studies. Sometimes midday shadows can be a great subject in and of themselves. Finally, if all else fails, use your iPhone or Android and shoot with the idea of creating something wild and crazy using apps— after all, it’ s all about having fun, isn’ t it?!
Whatever and whenever you choose to shoot, remember beauty is all around you. With apologies to Judy Collins, it’ s really a matter of looking at ALL sides now!
Happy shooting everyone, and remember: If you find something interesting and would like us to include it in future issues, send it along to editor @ kiawahconservancy. org. We’ re always on the lookout for shots that capture Kiawah at its best! NK
Note: All photographs in this article were shot from a single location on the causeway at different times of the same day.
WINTER / SPRING 2017 • VOLUME 37
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