How to Take a Picture Out in the Sun

Avoid the dreaded squint...

When you're out in the sun it can be difficult to take a picture--whether you're the photographer or the subject. Read on to learn how you can avoid the glare that typically comes with bright sunshine and squinty faces and you'll be taking great pictures in no time!

Instructions

1. Take a test photo to see how the sun affects your subjects if you have a digital camera. Review the photo and determine what, if any, future action is needed.

2. Try to position your subjects with their backs to the sun. If this is not possible, you may want to think about letting the subjects wear their sunglasses.

3. Ask your subjects to remove any hats to avoid unnecessarily shading their faces.

4. Take the picture quickly once the subjects are arranged. This will prevent sweating, runny makeup, red faces and general overheating.

5. Ask your subjects to keep their eyes closed until right before the picture is taken if you don't want them to wear sunglasses. Let them know when you're almost set up, then count to 3 and have them open their eyes and pose on 3.

6. Take a few pictures in order to increase the odds of obtaining a good picture. To keep your subjects in place, tell them that you'll be taking three pictures. Let them know each time a picture is taken so they know how much longer they'll be up there. You can say something like, "That's one...that's two...there's three, we're done!" If it's really bright or if you think they can't hold the pose long enough you can repeat Step 5 three times, having your subjects close their eyes after every picture is taken.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell your subjects ahead of time that you want to take some pictures in a sunny spot. Give them another 1-minute warning once you're almost ready. This will allow them to engage in any touch-ups or face wipings.

• Remember that children and older people are particularly difficult to work with in the sun. It may be better to photograph them in the shade or candidly instead of trying to arrange them into time-consuming poses in uncomfortable locations.

• If the sun is just too difficult to work with, move indoors, under a tree or in the shade. Better to get a lower quality picture where everyone looks happy rather than a perfectly positioned photograph of sour faces.