Superhero Photo Challenge: Shoot into the sun

photo by Anna Kuperberg

I am a self-taught photographer and every once in a while I get a little insecure about the fact that I don't know much about F-stops and shutter speeds. I'd love to be able to walk into any situation and instantly know how to set my camera for the perfect exposure. But alas, digital came around just in time! and now I get to simply play and experiment and know just enough to get what I want but not too much to lose my sense of play. And then there's that handy little screen that shows you what you're getting. Thank god for the little screen!

One "rule" someone told me many moons ago and I had never questioned was this: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT shoot directly into the sun!! Your subjects will turn out dark, you might have lens flare, the picture will be terrible and you will look like a total hack. Did any of you out there believe this too? Are you blinding your friends by having them look into the sun like me?

When I fell in love with Anna Kuperberg's photos I noticed how brilliantly she used sunlight. And I want to highlight the word, used... she didn't just tolerate the sun or work around it like I did, she really uses it to her advantage and gets the most extraordinary images shooting straight into the sun. (The photo above is from my maternity portrait session with her)

This week's challenge is in two parts. First, I want to see your best shots shooting right into the sun (or having the subjects head just blocking it) Get some lens flair! Have some fun... I also want to hear your tips for getting great images this way. Do any of you know how to use the sun to your advantage? I would love to hear. (And if you are using flickr, please tag your photo with superhero photo challenge. Your shot will end up on this page.)

Comments

[Nikki Russo]

Hi there! This is such a wonderful site and I am happy to have found it through my friend Swirly's website! You are all such creative spirits!
I too am still learning the ropes in regards to shutter speeds, stops, etc with my new camera (Nikon D40 6.1). I am not sure what techniques are "correct" when shooting into the sun, but I got this shot about 2 weeks ago in on Venice beach and thought I would share!
~much love

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagedivvagirl/2295182764/

[Nikki Russo]

Hi there! This is such a wonderful site and I am happy to have found it through my friend Swirly's website! You are all such creative spirits!
I too am still learning the ropes in regards to shutter speeds, stops, etc with my new camera (Nikon D40 6.1). I am not sure what techniques are "correct" when shooting into the sun, but I got this shot about 2 weeks ago in on Venice beach and thought I would share!
~much love

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagedivvagirl/2295182764/

[Denise T.]

Love the idea of shooting into the sun for that lens flare that's been deemed as 'bad'....I've always loved the feel of it. Here's my shot from girls day in Santa Monica (my daughter and I, that is!)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dartist25/

Thanks for the inspiration, Andrea!

[nancy]

I had no idea it was "bad" to shoot into the sun... I do it all the time, LOVE sun flare! Anyways, here's a pic of my little superhero for the superhero challenge!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/viaveg/1308437229

[Milla]

After reading this post, I'd been wanting to try this! Well, here's what I did this past week.

A Florida sunset, from my backyard...

one looking directly into the sun:
http://mchappell.blogspot.com/2008/03/florida-sunset.html

one with the tree blocking the sun:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24453165@N04/2321839843/in/set-72157604084485549/

Thanks for the inspiration!

[allie]

i think i went a little crazy with the layers!

http://simple-pie.blogspot.com/2008/03/super-hero-photo-challenge-4.html

[Rut Klempan]

Took this the other day...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikingrut/4339853916/" title="Good day sunshine... by Rut Kara, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.f

[Kellie]

I was actually just looking up some different ways to shoot into the sun and what do you know, the SS website popped up....I can't wait to see some of these shots. {Rosina} was born to take these shots, I will have to tell her about the contest. Here's mine....lucky shot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelliehatcher/4367349580/

[Richard Ellender]

Normally in my work as a Real Estate Photographer I can't shoot into the sun & keep the image, so whenever I get a chance I like to try it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozwebfx/4492607850/

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thanks for sharing

[Blog This Moment]

I too struggle with my exposures, especially while outside shooting into the sun. It's nice to know I am not alone!