Scrap Of Faith

BEACH PHOTOS
I love taking photos of children on the beach, but the full sun especially in the middle of the day can be a bit of a challenge.

Challenge: Full sun
Solution: Try and find some shade
Beach huts, trees, the shade from a cliff, underneath a pier. Look around and see what you could use to provide shade

Challenge: There is no shade
Solution: Backlight

The clear blue sky and full overhead sun can cause harsh shadows on one side of the face, while blowing out the other side. The main trick to avoiding this is to watch the way you position your subject.

Even when the sun is overhead, you can still position them in direction that will provide more shade on their faces. Walk around them and look at the way their shadows are falling on the ground. Position them so that they are facing their shadow. (or at least position yourself on the shadow side of them) The sun will hit the top and back of their head, creating not only a beautiful glow around their hair, but will also keep their faces out of the direct sunlight.

Use a daddy to block the sun :)

Position yourself on the shaddow side of your subjects while they play. When they turn towards you, you'll be in the perfect spot to snap them.

Challenge: Full sun

Solution: Use it.

This works better in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower. Just position your subjects so they are directly facing the sun, not side on to the sun. Their faces will be more evenly lit. One tip.... watch where your own shaddow is falling. If you don't want it in the pic, you may need to stand back more and zoom in with your camera.