Harsh Lighting for Macros - Embrace It!

[Loupey]

I got out of work late last night and stopped by my favorite park during the last hour or two of good light. Shot these and thought it might help those still stuck with the adage "keep the sun to your back" running through their heads.

While the adage works for most landscapes and family group shots, you can throw it away for macro work. You'll find that macro subjects, if you go close enough, are quite translucent or catch ambient light. Since I don't use strobes or reflectors, this is good news for me.

Personally, I like very strong lighting and will try to keep the sun in front of me. Often, the sun or its reflection is only a few degrees off from the subject. And yes, I've been blasted in the eye (even reflected sunlight can hurt!). Use your lens shade religiously or at least your hand. Also, don't use any filters.

Point here is to try different things/angles. Keeping the sun to your back will provide good institutional shots but may lack punch. Hope you can use the tip!

The first shot = stereotypical shot
The second shot = same subject same place but from about 150 degrees from the first (too bad about the twig tho)

[Loupey]

...and a few more.

While some might prefer some fill light, I like to let some areas go dark. To me at least, it is representative of what we see when we first glance at something in a bright area. Plus, the brain can fill in the blanks if the sillouettes are done carefully.

Give it a shot. Add a new dimension to your shooting. Keep the sun in your face! Although you will find yourself squinting more, you will see deeper, richer colors.

[paulnj]

Nice images to show how straying from the rules can still produce keeper!

[drg]

That is a great symmetrical reflection on the first image! Good comments about where to position the light. Too many photogs get caught in the same old rut.