Sun Glares & Haze

I took some photos out in the sun on mother's day. Mind you, I'm an aspiring photographer, I'm no professional or claim to be and I'm still learning.

Anyways, quite a handful of photos had sun glares and haze on them. I've attached samples of my shots on this post.

The first photo is not as bad as the second photo, but you can see a little cloudy/foggy haze on the bottom of the photo.

The second photo was the worst glare out of all the photos I took.

My question is, what exactly would I need to avoid these glares and hazes next time I shoot photos in the sun or outdoors for that matter. I'm assuming I'd need a lens hood AND a UV filter. But that's an assumption and I'm not quite certain. So I'm here to ask the more experienced.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Yes, you want a lens hood. As far as a filter goes, if you don't have a hood on a filter can cause this problem.

A filter is not necessary and in fact can make things worse. A good lens hood does wonders controlling lens flare. The best way though is to position yourself so that the sun is not shining in your lens. There are other simple tricks you can use as well. If you have to shoot into the sun, position yourself so that your standing in a patch of shade so that the sun is not on the lens. You can also ask someone yo hold their hand above the lens shading the lens as well.