Hello there! If you’re a sports photographer, you know the importance of catching the perfect shot, but with the sun beating down on the athletes, it can be challenging to capture the perfect image without overexposure. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best ways to avoid harsh sunlight in outdoor sports photography. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you capture stunning, well-exposed images.

Plan Your Shot with the Sun in Mind 🌞

Before you start shooting, it’s essential to plan your shots with the sun in mind. Position yourself in a way that avoids direct sunlight. Determine where the sun is positioned and how it will move throughout the game or event. Make sure the sun is behind you or to the side, but never behind the athlete. By positioning yourself correctly, you can get a great angle without harsh shadows or overexposure.

A photo of a football game with the sun behind the photographer

Use a Lens Hood 🕶️

When the sun is directly in front of you, use a lens hood to block any unwanted glare or light reflections. A lens hood attaches directly to your camera lens, blocking any excess light. Lens hoods come in various shapes and sizes, so make sure to find one that fits your camera lens. By using a lens hood, you’ll get vibrant, well-exposed images without harsh reflections in the lens.

A photo of a camera lens with a lens hood attached

Use ND Filters ☀️

ND filters (neutral density filters) can help you capture stunning sports photos even on the brightest days. These filters control the amount of light that enters the camera, helping avoid overexposure. ND filters come in varying strengths, so make sure to choose one that matches your intended shot. By using ND filters, you’ll achieve beautiful, well-exposed shots without harsh contrasts or shadows.

A photo of a few ND filters in different strengths

Shoot During Golden Hour or Blue Hour 🌅

Golden hour is the period during sunset or sunrise when the light is warm and soft, creating a beautiful surreal effect. Blue hour is the period after sunset or before sunrise, where the sky turns blue, creating a natural dark blue backdrop. Shooting during these times can provide stunning, well-exposed shots, creating a mood or atmosphere in your image. By shooting during these times, overexposure or harsh contrasts can be avoided.

A photo of a basketball court during golden hour, with the sun low in the sky providing a warm glow

Adjust Camera Settings 📷

If you find yourself struggling to get the right exposure, consider manually adjusting your camera settings. By decreasing the aperture, increasing the shutter speed, or lowering the ISO, you can manipulate the amount of light that enters the camera. It may take some trial and error, but finding the right settings can help you capture stunning well-exposed images. Make sure to take some test shots before the game to adjust all the camera settings.

A photo of a camera lens with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings displayed

Conclusion 📝

Capturing stunning, well-exposed images in harsh sunlight can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing vibrant, dynamic images without overexposure or harsh contrasts. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in sports photography, these tips will help you take your outdoor photography to the next level.

A photo of a photographer aiming a camera with the sun behind them