Nature Photography How To

Many of us have busy schedules with jobs and other obligations that prevent from us being out in the field in early morning and late afternoon when Golden-Hour bathes the landscape with soft, beautiful tones. This means shooting in the middle of the day when high contrast and harsh illumination pose a difficult challenge.

This tutorial from the Andy H YouTube channel demonstrates several powerful techniques to help you capture epic images when the sun is overhead. Andy is an experienced British photographer whose helpful videos share his love of landscape and wildlife photography, with in-depth tips, appropriate camera settings, composition and gear.

Here's his promise for today's episode: "I provide tricks for creating stunning images during midday sun and harsh light, with tips for greatly improving your compositions." Best yet, the quick techniques you'll learn in the next 12 minutes are easy enough for photographers of all skill levels to master with ease.

In this behind-the-scenes episode you'll follow Andy explore a forest with the sun high in the sky and bright light streaming through the foliage; hence, contrasty light indeed. The first tip involves thoughtful composition. Andy's example is of a large, fallen pine with dark shadows pointing through tall trees on either side and further back into the frame.

The trees thin out as Andy continues his hike and he notices some beautiful layers with mountains in the background, a bright, blue sky, and interesting elements closer to the camera. He appreciates the definition in these eye-catching gradations and demonstrates how a polarizing filter can significantly accentuate these dramatic effects while retaining a realistic look.

Other interesting opportunities abound once Andy surmounts the tree line where he's greeted by snow-capped peaks on the horizon, a green forest below, and the ever-present blue sky overhead. His vantage point at 6500 ft. gives him an awe-inspiring 360° view with rugged rocks near his position. The way he tames this midday challenge is very impressive.

The foregoing is just a taste of the powerful techniques that Andy reveals, so watch until the end, take an afternoon hike this weekend, and see how much midday magic you can make yourself. The pay a visit to Andy instructional YouTube channel where there's much more to learn.

And if landscape photography is your game be sure not to miss a tutorial we featured recently from another accomplished outdoor shooter who demonstrates how to transform boring nature and wildlife photographs with an eye-catching Golden-Hour Effect in Lightroom.