What angle to the sun yields the most pleasing results? I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of...

toast

I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of subject) Not blinding them :)

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Here's an interesting discussion about Shooting into the Sun http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-359667-1.html S-

JPL

toast wrote:

I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of subject) Not blinding them :)

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

There is no recipe for the best results, it is too much a matter of taste. And may like it better to have the sun in the background in the picture and use flash when f.x. taking portraits. So it also depends on the subject you are photographing. Then it is your equipment, different lenses have different characteristics when used when the sun is in the background and it can also be very difficult to use the sun to light up your subject. It is a harsh light that is difficult for camera sensors to handle. Usually it is easiest to get good results when you have softer light, clouds etc.

Regis Loc: Coeur d' Alene, Idaho

toast wrote:

I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of subject) Not blinding them :)

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

The last 2 hours in the afternoon and the first 2 hours in the morning.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

The answer it depends upon the "Quality" of the light. I prefer early moring or late afternoon diffused light.

toast wrote:

I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of subject) Not blinding them :)

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

jim quist Loc: Missouri

If its bright out I use the sun as a hair light. So the sun is behind my subject and I shoot into the sun. If the sun is my main light then what Regis said.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

toast wrote:

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

This may have been related to obtaining the strongest results from using a CPL.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

TWO words:

It depends.

The intent determines what is best from harsh to soft to orientation. So...

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

It all depends on what you are trying to achieve (and possibly the subject)

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Then you need a reflector or use fill flash

jim quist wrote:

If its bright out I use the sun as a hair light. So the sun is behind my subject and I shoot into the sun. If the sun is my main light then what Regis said.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

your skill level, imagination and eye will determine it.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

toast wrote:

I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of subject) Not blinding them :)

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

My thoughts: When outdoors, regardless of whether there is a bright sun or just a clouded over sun, first things I look at, are people's eyes and the areas beside and under the nose. Right there and then I decide whether or not I should use a fill-flash.
The one position I try to avoid at all cost, is having the sun behind me. That position, fill-flash or not, is guaranteed to have people with squinting eyes in the photo.
If my subjects are between me and the sun, instead of a fill-flash, some sort of reflector will often work: large piece of white paper, a light-coloured building behind me, I once even asked a lady who wore a full, white skirt to stand beside me and show the front of her skirt to my subjects by holding it out wide. It worked!
So, with all those little tricks, it really does not matter that much where the sun is (as long as it's not behind me), you can help to make the light flattering.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

toast wrote:

I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of subject) Not blinding them :)

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

Well...shooting subjects in the sun isn't good in my opinion (if you mean portrait type shots, not impromptu fun shots)

The only way I'd do it is with the sun to their back...backlit.

Otherwise, I'd get them into shade or use a scrim.

When using a scrim, I'd put the sun at a 45 deg angle to their face as if I was using a softbox.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

toast wrote:

I have often heard that the sun should be in the subjects face for best results. (The sun is basically straight in front of subject) Not blinding them :)

But I believe I read where you can get the best results if placing the subject at a 90 degree angle to the sun. (Point at the sun with your pointer finger and then rotate your thumb in either direction and place the subject in that area)

I'm interested in hearing some of your thoughts. Thanks!

(insert tongue in cheek) Personally I find being between the surface of the sun and the Earth's crust gives me the best angle.

Angle of sun to subject has been argued forever. To some shooting in mid-day is a crime, others such as Walker Evans only shot at mid-day for years.

It depends on the effect you want.

winfordb Loc: Georgia

Regis wrote:

The last 2 hours in the afternoon and the first 2 hours in the morning.

:thumbup: