As an outdoor sports photographer, capturing that perfect shot can be challenging, especially when the sun is shining bright. But do not fret; it is still possible to capture stunning images in harsh sunlight. In this blog, we will dive into some tips and techniques to help you capture the beauty of outdoor sports photography in the harsh sun.

Understanding your Camera Settings 📸

Before even stepping out into the sunlight, understanding your camera settings is crucial. One essential setting to adjust is your camera’s exposure compensation. Exposure compensation allows you to adjust your camera’s exposure value to control the brightness or darkness of an image. In bright sunlight, it is advisable to increase your exposure compensation to prevent your images from being underexposed.

Another camera setting that is critical when shooting in harsh sunlight is your camera’s Shutter Speed. When the sun is shining bright, increasing your camera’s shutter speed can prevent overexposure. A faster shutter speed means less light enter, which will result in a well-exposed image.

An image of a camera settings menu

Find the Right Lighting 🌅

One of the best things about shooting in harsh sunlight is finding the right lighting and shadows. Look for spots with softer lighting, such as open shade, rather than direct sunlight. Shooting in open shades creates softer shadows and less harsh lighting, which is essential for portraits and action shots.

If you cannot find an open shade, look for even and consistent shadows. Your subject should not have harsh shadows on their face or body. It’s essential to move around the shooting area and find the best angle to avoid those harsh shadows.

An image of a person in the shade holding a surfboard

Use a Lens Hood 🕶️

When you’re shooting in harsh sunlight, using a lens hood is crucial. Lens hoods are designed to prevent glare and lens flares caused by the sun. Shooting without a lens hood increases the chance of getting a hazy image, which is undesirable.

An image of a photographer using a lens hood

Shoot in RAW Format 📤

When you’re shooting outdoor sports photography in the harsh sun, shooting in RAW format is your best option. Shooting in RAW format ensures that all the details your camera captures are saved. RAW format allows you to edit and fix the brightness, contrast, and shadows individually in post-processing without affecting the quality of the original image.

## Plan Your Shoot 🤔

When shooting outdoor sports photography in harsh sunlight, planning your shoot is vital. Knowing when and where the sunlight will be during the day will give you an edge when taking photos. It is generally best to shoot during the first and last hours of sunlight, when the light is less harsh.

Also, check the weather forecast before your shoot. Ensure that the lighting matches your subject. For example, if you’re shooting a surf competition, you may want to choose a day with high waves to complement your shots.

An image of a person looking at the weather forecast

Embrace The Harsh Sun ☀️

Lastly, do not be afraid of the harsh sun - embrace it! Sometimes, the sun’s harshness can give your images a unique and beautiful look. Instead of fighting it, experiment with different angles, lighting, and shadows and see what works best for your shot.

An image of a person embracing the harsh sun and taking a photo

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice these techniques when shooting outdoor sports photography in the harsh sun, the better you’ll become. We hope these tips and techniques have helped you capture stunning outdoor sports photographs. Happy shooting!

An image of a person taking a photo of a stunning outdoor sports moment in the harsh sun