Bright light can ruin landscape photos. This is something you may have experienced when you tried to capture the perfect scene, only to find that the sun was too high in the sky, creating harsh shadows and blowing out highlights. Knowing how to handle this situation is crucial if you want to keep your photos looking their best, even when the lighting is less than ideal.
Coming to you from Christian Irmler – Landscape PhotographyThis informative video offers practical tips on how to manage harsh light in your landscape photography. Irmler explains that while soft light is often favoured for its ability to make a scene look more painterly, it’s not always possible. The sun, being a small light source when in the distance, creates harsh light that can disrupt the harmony of your composition. But all is not lost. Irmler discusses how to use the atmosphere to your advantage, whether it’s by capturing the soft light of the blue hour or using natural diffusers like clouds to soften the sunlight.
Irmler’s approach to overcoming harsh lighting includes using tools like fog filter. He explains that these filters reduce contrast and help create a softer look in your images, even when the lighting is harsh. In one example, he describes how he used a fog filter to photograph a castle scene where the lighting was too harsh. The filter helps reduce contrast, creating a more balanced and visually appealing photo.
But what if you don’t have a filter handy? Irmler shares another technique: using fog as a natural diffuser. When shooting a series of hills lit by harsh sunlight, the fog in the atmosphere acts as a fog filter, softening the light and adding depth to the scene. This technique is especially useful when you’re out in the field and need to work with what nature has to offer. Irmler emphasizes that understanding how to use the atmosphere and available light can make a significant difference in the quality of your photos.
In cases where you can’t rely on filters or atmospheric conditions, Irmler recommends careful post-processing. By exposing your image properly and using tools like luminosity masks in Lightroom, you can recover details in the highlights and reduce glare. While this method requires more effort, it’s a viable option when you need to salvage a photo taken in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Watch the video above for Irmler’s full rundown.
And if you really want to dig deeper into landscape photography, check out our latest guide, “Photographing the World: Japan with Elia Locardi!”
