Daytime Photography Landscape Hack
Today, I bring you a simple yet powerful photography tip straight from the desert mountains! Capturing the intensity of the sun in landscape photography typically involves chasing the perfect light during sunrise, sunset, or the golden hour. However, there's another effective method to infuse drama into your shots: exploiting the fine line between sunlight and shadow.
When the sun is still high yet you’re among towering subjects like mountains, this technique becomes straightforward. Simply position yourself where the shadow of your subject ends. Angle your camera to catch the sunflare as it peeks over the edge, creating a striking contrast between light and dark. This method isn’t limited to mountains—any tall object can cast compelling shadows, from trees to buildings.
By keeping this concept in mind, you’ll start noticing potential shots everywhere you go. Below are some examples from my adventures in Red Rock Canyon and Mt Charleston—places I now consider part of my extended backyard here in Las Vegas. I also tossed in a few from my archives to showcase cityscapes and forest regions.
I’ll admit most of my examples are more recent! I personally found myself absorbed in seeking a specific composition out of my images, instead of expanding my perspective to new compositions based on the sun's position.
Remember, photography is about exploring and experimenting with different perspectives. I encourage you to try this technique and see what unique compositions you can create. Feel free to share your experiences or photos in the comments below!
One of the first images after being self-aware of this concept, where I hunted down the perfect spot. Even a drone can utilize this concept. One of the first images that made my hyper-aware of this concept. Hiking back from these mountains I found myself looking back, frustrated by the shade. Finding the first spot I could see the sun was a reprieve! The sun doesn't always have to be a flare or distinct, it can still provide intense contrast for your images. Even having the flare just on the edge works (at least I think so), as it is providin that dramatic contrast on your subject. A great example of this concept even on a slightly cloudy day.
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