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tips
use bracketing to get the perfect exposure (click here for examples) ever wonder what the bkt button might be on your nikon camera (other digital cameras have this function as well, you just need to read the manual)? this button allows for bracketing which is a powerful tool to get just the right exposure. with today's digital cameras, it has never been cheaper or easier to utilize bracketing. since you are using memory cards instead of film, which can be used over and over again, the net result is the ability to get the perfect exposure with essentially no additional cost. in addition, most digital cameras allow you to view a histogram of the digital capture that will indicate how well your image has been exposed. if you look at the images in the link above, you will note that they have been bracketed providing for three starting points for computer post processing. the most desirable exposure will be the one that has the "right" color, saturation & contrast. 
watch out for distracting objects (click here for examples) by moving up, down, left or right, one can frame a shot to remove objects which detract from the focal point of an image. if you look at the images of a student of mine via the link above, you may note that the tree behind the buddha face which detracts from the focal point of the image. by simply moving to the left, the tree could have been removed from the image. 
using the sun to light your subject (click here for examples) using the correct angle of the sun can change the lighting of an image dramatically. always consider the angle of the sun to the object that you are photographing. having the sun directly behind you will provide even lighting (depending on the verticle angle of the sun) while having the sun to the side can provide dramatic side lighting. 
applying the "right" filter (click here for examples) using the right filter can provide accent on a particular color. a commonly used filter is a warming filter which will provide more sunlight tones to the scene seemingly emulating the colors found when the sun is rising or setting. it may also make the image darker or more saturated. i will often shoot a scene both with and without a particular filter if i feel it may make for a better image and then bracket the exposure to ensure the exact results that i am looking for. if you look at the side by side comparison via the link above, you can make the choice of when you would like to apply a little extra color. 
use polarizing filters but wisely (click here for examples) a polarizing filter allows for the saturation of colors by removing reflected light. the effects can be stunning (everything from making colors more saturated, remove sharp highlights to deepening sky colors). i recommend using a quality rotating filter which allows you to control the amount of reflected light to allow. just turn the filter and watch the change through the lens! but beware, too much polarizing can have an adverse affect! especially at high altitude, a blue sky can turn black as well as all of your colors can become muddy (dark and/or under exposed). that is why a rotating polarizer is best to allow you to add more reflected light as needed to make the scene more natural. use the link above to see a side by side comparison of a rotating polarizer in action! 
use flash in full sunlight (click here for examples) when the sun is out, you will often have harsh shadows, which is especially annoying on the faces of people that you may be photographing. the way to soften the shadows is to use fill flash. today's cameras will adjust the exposure so the image will be correct but you will get even lighting on the subject reducing the shadow. a side benefit is that your background should be darker since the flash has a distance limitation since backgrounds on sunny days can look washed out. |
links
sunrise & sunset calculator with moonrise & moonset |
equipment
cameras: nikon d2xs, mc-30 release cord |
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