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How to Shoot a Scene With Sunlight & Shadows

Proper lighting can give a photograph depth, intense color and stunning contrast no matter what you're shooting. From landscapes to portraits, learning how to properly use the available light will completely transform an image. Shooting in direct sunlight can make people squint their eyes or cause dark shadows across their faces, making them look like raccoons. Sunlight can also wash out details and make colors appear odd or unnatural. Learn how to use sunlight and shadows to your advantage to create that frame-worthy photograph.

Things You'll Need

Camera

Instructions

- 1
  Shoot during sunrise or sunset. Avoid overhead light that causes shadows on faces or details to appear washed out. Sunrise and sunset create long shadows in photographs for intense contrast and colors can appear richer.
- 2
  Use shadows to shield your subject in direct sunlight. Move your subject under a tree or next to a building if possible. Use your body or another person to create a shadow over your subject or place an umbrella over your subject to shadow it. When taking pictures in the middle of the day, shadowing your subject can help to bring out colors and definition.
- 3
  Focus your camera on the sun or the brightest light source to create silhouettes in your photographs. Silhouettes can look like intense black shadows that add an artistic element to photography. Place your subject in front of a bright light source, such as the setting sun, and focus the camera on the brightest point before taking the picture.
- 4
  Reposition yourself to change the angle of the photograph. Take a picture from directly above or below your subject to create varying effects with sunlight and shadows.

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