Outdoor Photography How To

Experienced outdoor photographers understand why shooting into the sun is a sure-fire way to capture attention-grabbing images with a unique look. Achieving correct exposures can be challenging for beginners who don't understand the technique, but this tutorial from the Wildlife with Rich YouTube channel quickly demystifies this process so you can get in on the action today.

Here's how Rich describes the four-minute episode: "We'll reveal five easy tips that make backlighting a breeze. We cover everything from getting a correct exposure and positioning considerations, to editing methods for adding this dramatic effect to your everyday toolkit."

Rich says the main issue when it comes to backlighting is the wide dynamic range that you'll confront when shooting towards the sun. Simply put, "If we're able to make the right decisions in the camera, we're able to maximize the amount of detail we retain in both the key subject and the sky.

Tip #1 is to carefully evaluate the position of the sun in relation to the subject and the vantage point from which you shoot. Rich explains that "the closer the sun is to directly behind a subject, the more contrast there will be between this key element and the background." This is why it's necessary to apply a few thoughtful tricks that will balance all the tones from highlights to shadows to everything in between.

Rich then describes why  he recommends underexposing an image by 2/3 of a stop. As he says, this will allow you to retain important details within the highlights and bring back details in the shadows. Doing this requires as much data as possible, which is why shooting in Raw is a big benefit that offers far more control during post processing.

He explains why shooting in raw "helps us recover missing details without introducing too much unsightly noise." You'll watch Rich demonstrate practical applications for the foregoing and his other helpful tips in the field while photographing birds circling overhead with everchanging light.

If you enjoy wildlife and nature Photography be sure to visit the Wildlife with Rich YouTube channel for more tips and techniques.

And on a related note, don't miss a tutorial we featured recently with another accomplished outdoor shooter who demonstrates how to embrace harsh, midday light coming from any direction and use it to capture spectacular high-contrast photographs.