Taking perfect photos in sunshine

It is no secret that taking photos during sunshine can be difficult. In full manual mode, it’s not difficult to get an OK result. But for those that are a little picky, wanting correct colors and exposure, it can on a sunny day be challenging to find the right settings.

Taking perfect photos in sunshine: ‘sunny 16 rule

In photography, the traditional ‘sunny 16 rule’ is a great way to quickly get the perfect summer photos, with little time or effort spent adjusting the settings. The rule is very easy to learn. But it does require the basic knowledge in photography, understanding how the camera’s ISO, aperture and shutter speed work together.
With an aperture of f/16, the only requirement is to set the ISO and shutter speed at equal levels. This will in most cases give you beautiful colours and perfect exposure in your photos this summer.
Example: f/16 + ISO200 + 200 shutter speed
If you want to freeze the action, simply increase the ISO and shutter speed.
Someone’s portrait: f/16 + ISO200 + 200
Someone biking: f/16 + ISO400 + 400
etc.

 

 

Kjell Leknes

One Comment on “Taking perfect photos in sunshine

  1. Interesting, but if I may, it might be wise to mention this applies to cameras which can be switched into manual (all slr and several higher end compacts), from my experience the most common issue for the amateur photographer with taking photos in the sun is the infamous dark face and well exposed backgrounds (where the sun is behind the subject). In most cases, popping up even the built in flash can cure most issues there. Even in Automatic (when the camera will tell you there is no need for a flash), most cameras can be told to turn on or pop up the flash, this will ensure well lit faces in the sunniest of days.

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