Are you trying to create the perfect outdoor shot that includes more than just the view? Having lots of different hard surfaces can be challenging to capture in harsh sunlight.

Our Artcraft summer student has been experimenting with outdoor photography and found the following guidelines useful for the Patio Picnic spread we shared on social media earlier this summer.

1. Avoid shooting midday. Morning and late afternoon will have a much softer light, making it easier to take photos.
2. Shoot with the sun behind you.
3. Lower your ISO and change aperture and shutter speed.
4. Wait for a slightly overcast day. 
5. Use open shade.
6. Use a polarizing filter.
7. Correct your white balance accordingly – don’t always rely on auto white balance.
8. Use flash. It fills in shadows created by the sun.
9. Create reflections to manipulate the light.