Tecnocrat Tuesday: Sunlight

Technocrat Tuesday:

Today, I'm going to talk about shooting into sunlight.

*HEALTH AND SAFETY NANNY STATE WARNING*

Shooting directly into the light is NOT recommended, and can damage your eyes with constant exposure and direct into the light shooting. If you're not happy, don't shoot, or use a camera with a digital viewfinder.. or wear sunglasses... or just don't risks.

*HEALTH AND SAFETY NANNY STATE WARNING ENDS HERE *

One of my major interests as a photographer is working the sun into my pictures, and using the over exposure of the sun to generate lovely dark shadows.

For this sort of shot, using a light swallowing lens at the maximum appature doesn't tend to work.. I found this was the way of overblown images.

Instead, trusting your instincts and working with the camera instead of letting the on board software correct everything is a better bet. Manual modes help, as you can control the settings you will need

1) Shot on semi automatic on a Minolta D5 - The shot that started it all for me. (Train shot, Chelmsford)
2) Still on the Minolta - Notice how some colors are persevered, but the darkness and shadow remain
3) On the EOS 300D, again early morning. A star filter is used to add an odd effect
4) Again, on the 300D, with the sun darkening everything deeply, with refections
5) On the EOS20D, taken near where i live
6) On the EOS20D, taken at Manchester airport
7) And near my flat again, but a wonderful picture to end on



Now for those who do use Digital SLR's and the such, there is one issue you should be aware of when shooting in these environments - sensor dust. As you're working normally with very small settings and a lot of light flooding the camera, any dust will be visible and be magnified on your image. Make sure the camera its cleaned - or has been cleaned for you.