Shoot by the Dawn’s Early Light

For great outdoor shots, there are two optimal times of day that many photographers know as the “golden hour” or “magic hour”: dusk and dawn. This is the time range between half an hour before sunrise or sunset until half an hour after. Magic hour gives you the most interesting soft, warm light and shadows.

Avoid the “bullseye.”

When composing your photo, throw things off center on purpose. Use the “rule of thirds,” which imagines your photo divided into a three-by-three grid, with the horizon and important elements of the photo found within or along the lines of that grid.

Look for shade

If you’ve got to shoot a portrait when the sun is out, look for some shade. The shade will soften the light and make it easier for your subject not to squint. There’s bound to be a tree or building nearby that you can use to escape direct sunlight. Shade can be your best friend. If there is no way you can make the available light work for your photo, shoot in the shade. You’ll get a nice even exposure with no patchy highlights throughout your shot.

Narrow your depth of field

When shooting portraits, try opening up your aperture to f/2.8 or f/4. This not only helps to separate your subject from the background, but can also make something as drab as a line of trees into an interesting and beautiful backdrop.

Shape with light

Never shoot with the sun directly behind you. It creates boring, flat light on the subject. If you shoot with the light source to the side or behind the subject, you are able to shape with the light, creating a more interesting photo.