Finding Flattering Light for Photographs in Harsh Summer Sun

Summertime provides plenty of great photo opportunities. With parties, weddings, barbecues, and vacations you will most likely be taking plenty of pictures for your household photo albums, picture frames, and social media accounts. Unfortunately, the hot summer weather and glaring sun creates harsh lighting that can make it difficult to capture quality photos. Luckily, GiftWorksPlus has found these tips to help you capture beautiful images that will make you proud to frame your photos and display them around the house:  

1. Switch Camera to Manual Mode: Cameras now automatically underexpose images due to the bright lighting. Make sure you switch yours to manual rather than “aperture priority” or “program modes.” This will help your light meter produce an accurate reading.
2. Increase the Aperture on Your Camera: Sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can create a lot of shadows. By changing the aperture to between f/1.2 and f/2.5, it helps to create a softer appearance on the object.
3. Embrace the Overexposure: When you use the overexposure of sunlight your images it can actually create the effect of a cleaner, brighter skin tone.
4. Create Your Own Lighting: In addition to adjusting the balance, try creating your own lighting by finding some shade when photographing people and using different filters to lighten or darken images.

  After all, what good is a nice photo frame (even if it is a custom engraved frame) if the picture is completely washed out from too much sun? Now that you have expert photography tips, be sure to put them to good use this summer by snapping some pictures at all your family gatherings and events! If you’re looking for a unique gift, visit our website and check out our family photo frames for the next summer birthday or get together. Or if your summer is spent adventuring with friends, browse the many travel frames and other custom frames at our website, and stay cool this summer!