October 26, 2009

We interrupt these Keller-Dude torture sessions to bring you...

... a photo tip. My latest, greatest photo tip, based on my latest, greatest discovery last Thursday. [smirk]

Let's title this tip: The problem with backlighting.

Alternative title: How to force your camera to auto-focus into direct sunlight.

So here's the problem with backlighting: I can't really see what I'm shooting. My eyes are worthless when looking into a bright light source, so I'm pretty inept when attempting to focus manually in such a situation. Apparently, my camera has the same problem, and cannot focus, and thus cannot capture my desired photo. Wanna see how I learned to "force" my camera to focus?

And the best thing about this tip? It requires no fancy, expensive equipment. Ready?

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Oh yeah, I'm totally high-tech. I blocked the sun with my hand. I totally did a little happy dance when this little "trick" actually worked.

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I block the sun so the camera can focus. Then I remove my hand and snap the pre-focused picture. Voila!

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Orange County Child Portrait Photographer

9 comments:

Jennifer Bowen said...

Ingenious, Susan! I love your technique and the resulting image. I'm a big fan of photos with sun flare, one that's done right like yours. Just fabulous, as always! =)

tracie said...

Thank you so much. I needed this tip today.

alpinekleins said...

Brilliant as the sun! Thanks for sharing!

Kristin

Leslie said...

genious. seriously.

we do that at night with flash sometimes. I diffuse it with my hand, or an index card.

Heather Grilliot said...

yup your pretty awesome! I will try this!

Julie Rivera said...

I was just being tormented by this very situation yesterday! As in, before I read this post with your fancy solution. Great idea!

Beth@Pages of Our Life said...

Your light hearted humor always cracks me up. This is a great tip. Thanks for sharing!

Tricia said...

That's Awesom!! You're my hero. Seriously. ;)

XO*Tricia

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

I have to try that! So simple... the only thing is that I don't think I'm going to be seeing any sun at all for several days. Drat.

Thanks for the tip!