How to help with Sun Haze???? I am a horse show photographer, in the mornings the sun creates this crazy weird sun haze. Most the time I can fix it in post, but not always. I have...

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

I am a horse show photographer, in the mornings the sun creates this crazy weird sun haze. Most the time I can fix it in post, but not always. I have attached some pictures so you can see. Do you guys know of a filter that might help with this?? Thanks for your time

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You should be attaching the files so we can review the EXIF.

What we won't see in the EXIF is whether you have the lens hood installed. Do you have any views where you're not shooting into the sun to judge if the issue is just the direction of the shot?

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

While I agree with CHG_CANON, even with the pictures you posted, in LR you can move the slider for "dehaze" which basically takes the black darker and adds some contrast. This should help a lot, but the best would be to get it right in camera.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Shooting into the sun is the worst scenario. You'll get the most glare and you'll be shooting the shadow side of your subjects.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Looks like the sun is illuminating your front element. Lens hood or changing location should help.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Tommi, I took a shot at it.
--Bob

TommiRulz wrote:

I am a horse show photographer, in the mornings the sun creates this crazy weird sun haze. Most the time I can fix it in post, but not always. I have attached some pictures so you can see. Do you guys know of a filter that might help with this?? Thanks for your time

(Download)

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

TommiRulz wrote:

I am a horse show photographer, in the mornings the sun creates this crazy weird sun haze. Most the time I can fix it in post, but not always. I have attached some pictures so you can see. Do you guys know of a filter that might help with this?? Thanks for your time

Maybe shift positions

User ID

TommiRulz wrote:

I am a horse show photographer, in the mornings the sun creates this crazy weird sun haze. Most the time I can fix it in post, but not always. I have attached some pictures so you can see. Do you guys know of a filter that might help with this?? Thanks for your time

Firstly, NO filter will help. Filters can only make it worse.

Your image has all or most of the data need. I edited your thumbnail using only the tools built into the phone. Its just 2 minutes work. (See attached.)

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If you face this situation very often you might consider a new, less complex, lens. Worst lenses will be 10x "do it all" zooms. Best is a modest aperture prime. Rather often the solution is a 3x or 4x modest aperture zoom like 24-70 or 70-210, f/4 in either case (or both).
.

(Download)

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

TommiRulz wrote:

I am a horse show photographer, in the mornings the sun creates this crazy weird sun haze. Most the time I can fix it in post, but not always. I have attached some pictures so you can see. Do you guys know of a filter that might help with this?? Thanks for your time

I can see from the shadows that you were shooting into the light. Try to avoid this situation as much as possible. If unavoidable, having a long lens hood can help. Have you tried using a haze or warming filter on your lens?
Your last bet would be some post work. If your going that way, then shoot RAW so you'd have more room for adjustments. Jpegs with regards to editing is a little finicky.

A touch of photo filter (warming filter (85) 45-50% density), S-curve & vibrance adjustment in Photoshop will result to something like the below:

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I will recommend what others already did, that is avoid shooting into the sun. If that cannot be avoided then a haze filter will solve the problem, present in many editors.
As has been said, always try to get it right in camera.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Hey Everyone - thank you so much for all the advice !!!! I tried moving to the back of the arena, but it was spooking the horses, so I had to come back to the front. I do use a huge lens hood, and I can usually fix in post but sometimes it looks weird. I hate to admit this, but I do know how to open RAW files on my computer. So far the jpegs have been good enough. I will buy a haze filter today and give that a try. THANKS AGAIN -- You all are awesome

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Wallen wrote:

I can see from the shadows that you were shooting ... (show quote)

THANK YOU - very good advise - I tried fixing the bay horse in post but it did not look as good as yours.... I will play with your tips today and see if I can get it better. THANKS again

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Najataagihe wrote:

"In the mornings..."

First thing in the morning, everything is going to be blue.

The sun comes up and all the moisture from the dew and the ground starts evaporating, creating a light fog - especially, if the moisture is contained by trees.

By "light fog", I mean it doesn't even look like fog.

To cut through it, use a light yellow filter and correct the color in post-processing.

Good luck!

Fantastic information!! That makes sense - thank you so much, just bought the filter, can't wait to try it.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

joecichjr wrote:

Maybe shift positions

Ugh - I wish! They don't really like me to do that. It spooks the stupid horses

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

TommiRulz wrote:

I am a horse show photographer, in the mornings the sun creates this crazy weird sun haze. Most the time I can fix it in post, but not always. I have attached some pictures so you can see. Do you guys know of a filter that might help with this?? Thanks for your time

Next time you shoot, shoot with the sun coming over your shoulder.
Also, make sure your lens shade is properly positioned on your lens.