Capture the summer! Our tips for taking photos on a sunny summer day

Summer is here! We've already had a few beautiful sunny days, and there are sure to be plenty more. Still, the bright summer sun can sometimes make photography tricky. That's why we've put together 9 tips to help you take stunning photos on a sunny summer day.

Tip 1. Get to know your camera

Often you only start shooting once you're on location, but it's well worth testing your gear beforehand. Whether you shoot with a DSLR, a mirrorless or a compact camera, try out all of its settings. It helps to be familiar with settings such as aperture and ISO before you head out into the sun. Once you have a solid grasp of the basics of photography, you can get started faster and more effectively!

Tip 2. Shoot with the sun behind you

When you're taking a portrait in the sun, it's very handy to have the sun at your back. You can also choose to work with the sun to give your images more character. Shooting into the sun can be spectacular, for example over water, where you can create a beautiful bokeh effect. Or try a silhouette shot, where the sun draws a rim of light around your subject. Shooting into the sun can produce wonderfully atmospheric images, but it does take some practice.

Tip 3. Make use of the shade

When the sun is high in the sky, the contrast between light and dark is very strong. This makes the shade look very dark, but the opposite is true. Shade is actually a great place to shoot when the sun is blazing! Even if it doesn't always seem like it, there's plenty of light in the shade to take beautiful photos. That's partly thanks to sunlight bouncing off surfaces into the shaded areas. You can also use shadows to create really creative photos. So go ahead and play with them!

Tip 4. Use a flash

It may sound strange, but when you're shooting in strong sunlight, a flash can really add value. When sunlight falls almost straight down, it creates small, deep shadows, for example under your subject's nose. This can be very distracting. Using a flash makes these shadows less deep and therefore much less distracting.

Tip 5. Make use of your surroundings

You don't always need a flash to soften deep shadows. You can also use your surroundings to tackle those distracting shadows. Look for spots that reflect a lot of light, such as a white wall. No white wall nearby? Then a cloth or a reflector will do the job too.

Tip 6. Use a diffuser

Photographing people with blond hair or a bald head is extra challenging in full sun, because more light gets reflected. A diffuser is a handy tool for these subjects, as it spreads the light more evenly. This way your photo won't lose detail through overexposure. An added bonus is that a diffuser gives you a clear, evenly lit image.

Tip 7. Plan your shot

The summer months produce the most gorgeous skies, offering a perfect opportunity for beautiful photos. Sunrise and sunset are often the most photogenic times, and the sunlight is softer too. In summer, that means getting up early in the morning or keeping a few hours free in the evening. But you'll be rewarded with stunning, colourful pictures.

Tip 8. Capture colour

In summer, colours truly come alive in the sunlight, and it would be a shame not to make the most of that. Beautiful flowers, green trees and (hopefully) a clear blue sky are practically begging to be photographed in the summer sun. Take advantage of it and try to make those colours pop.

Tip 9. Bring accessories

It may sound obvious, but always make sure you bring accessories. Think of a reflector and a flash, for example, but don't forget a spare memory card and battery either. And be sure to pack an ND filter when you head out into the sun.

Discover Kamera Express's summer favourites!

Clear skies, warm breezes and endless inspiration: summer is the perfect time to grab your camera and get out there! The season invites you to explore the world through your lens.

Whether you stay close to home or take your camera on a trip to unknown places, with our favourite products you're all set to capture summer at its best.