Position of the Sun

[Mike T.M.]

Maybe someone in here can help me out? Correct me if I'm wrong, PLEASE. Me and another "semi/pro/consumer Photographer" were discussing, when taking outside formals/groups pictures. I told him I try to place people in shade and if I can't do that, then I try to place them with the sun to their backs. Now, I'm really not worry about sun flare because I shoot with a hood and position my self to where it wouldn't be a problem. But my buddy swears that this is wrong, which I've been shooting this way for a few years now and never once had a problem. He, says the "pros" shoot with the sun to their back, which I understand that. I mean the sun is a nice fill for the face but at the same time it's hard to tell the couple, group not to squink when you are taking the picture. So, please help me address this to my friend, and if I'm wrong I'll let him now as well,but....I don't think I am.

[picturecrazy]

There's no right or wrong answer. For group formals, the shade is best. Front lighting (sun to YOUR back) causes people to squint and puts dark shadows under noses and glasses, often making them look like football players.

Sun to THEIR back lets you use the sun as a rim/hair light and requires YOU to light up everyone properly. I prefer this method myself.

[Phil V]

There is no right or wrong, BUT;

These people have gone out and bought nice outfits, they've had haircuts and they've spent a long time preparing for this day, do you really want to take pictures of them squinting into the sun?

[Atl-Fotos]

I'm with Loyd. I like the sun to their back with fill flash to lite'm up...

[Roy Mathers]

I did wedding photography for thirty years and, where possible, always did group shots either in the shade or with the sun at their backs. I also used this technique with the 'smaller' shots ie bride and groom. With fill flash, it gives a great effect, with the sun acting as a free rim light. Plus the fact that it stops the guests with P&S getting any shots:lol:

[jjmucker]

Here is a prime example. This was the kids first holy communion and i took them all out here after the ceremony. I had no shade for them so i had no choice to have the sun behind them. if the sun was at my back all of their faces would have been squinting big style and it would have been terrible.

You can still see the kids face slightly squinting as most kids do anyways, to be fair to him though it was super bright. (you see, we are just not used to this weather all the time here in glasgow :D )

i generally expose for the sky and have my speedlight fill them in. ususally at full power depending on how bright it is.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n55/jjmucker/fill.jpg

[CatchingUp]

I'm no expert, but the expression 'sun at their back' could be a relative term when you don't specify the time of day. Mid-late afternoon can work fine...but later on in the early evening...a setting sun at their backs is likely to produce that glare effect, regardless of the size of your hood.

I found that out shooting some local ball teams.

And that is what makes this profession/hobby so 'interesting'...not to mention challenging. ;-)

[jjmucker]

I'm no expert, but the expression 'sun at their back' could be a relative term when you don't specify the time of day. Mid-late afternoon can work fine...but later on in the early evening...a setting sun at their backs is likely to produce that glare effect, regardless of the size of your hood.

I found that out shooting some local ball teams.

And that is what makes this profession/hobby so 'interesting'...not to mention challenging. ;-)


Thats true. if the sun was lower then you would probably get some glare. the image i posted hasnt so this is why i had the "sun at their back". this was taken around 2pm if i remember correctly.

regardless of anything, most case you would never have the sun facing them, especially on days like the day i took that image, unless of course they were in the shade

[Kamra 1]

Lloyd said it best. One thing to watch for when sun is at their backs is not have them facing a bright wall which the sun would bounce off and cause squinting. Always look for that great looking rim light. It won't always be present but it sure makes your photos pop with separation.

[tim]

Squinting bad.

[Alan W]

Either in shade or the sun behind them for me. I also use a lightweight aluminium stepladder for the larger group shots which gives and interesting perspective and gives a better view of persons in the second / third rows. This technique is also helpful for avoiding flare when the sun behind them is low.