Any tips for shooting at noon?

22shooter22shooter Registered Users Posts: 34 Big grins
edited September 8, 2010 in Technique
Often find myself with time to go shooting at mid-day in Miami. However, with the blazing sun directly overhead, lighting is usually not the most pleasing. Do you have any suggestions for subjects, techniques, etc. without carrying around screens or similar gear?

Comments

  • daq7daq7 Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited August 17, 2010
    Layer blending. It doesn't necessarily look natural, but you can make it look like it isn't harsh.
  • chuckinsocalchuckinsocal Registered Users Posts: 932 Major grins
    edited August 17, 2010
    When I shoot in bright day light I set the EV to -.3 or -.7 (chimping helps determine the setting) which mitigates the blown highlights. I then adjust the exposure in ACR and PS. I've found that underexposing is better than overexposing.
    Chuck Cannova
    www.socalimages.com
    Artistically & Creatively Challenged
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited August 17, 2010
    Short answer - don't.

    Or shoot IR. Or HDR.

    Or shoot on overcast days, or in shaded areas. Or indoors.

    Use a flash, or multiple flashes, to overdrive sunlight, or use a sun scrim.

    Some of these answer have been half in jest, but it really depends a lot on what your subject is and whether you can alter the light or even control it. And how big your budget is.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • daq7daq7 Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited August 18, 2010
    Feh. Don't shoot hdr? Absolutely DO!!! But realize you need to blend it with underexposed shots to make it work.
  • davemandaveman Registered Users Posts: 120 Major grins
    edited September 6, 2010
    my suggestions
    My suggestions for shooting at noon -

    1. Spend the first 3 hours making sure your tripod, camera and lenses are set.

    2. Spend the next 3 hours making sure you are set on compositional elements, exposure, DOF, etc.

    3. NOW start shooting - you will find the light is great.

    :D
    My stuff:
    http://davedilli.zenfolio.com/
  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited September 6, 2010
    daq7 wrote: »
    Feh. Don't shoot hdr? Absolutely DO!!! But realize you need to blend it with underexposed shots to make it work.

    I think you misunderstood my post. I was precisely suggesting using infra-red or HDR FOR shooting at noon.thumb.gif


    As you said, lighting at noon leaves a lot to be desired.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
  • catspawcatspaw Registered Users Posts: 1,292 Major grins
    edited September 6, 2010
    Holga's rather like bright noon :)
    //Leah
  • daq7daq7 Registered Users Posts: 50 Big grins
    edited September 8, 2010
    pathfinder wrote: »
    I think you misunderstood my post. I was precisely suggesting using infra-red or HDR FOR shooting at noon.thumb.gif


    As you said, lighting at noon leaves a lot to be desired.

    Oh, right. I totally mis-parsed your original reply. Sorry.
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