How to Take Photos in Direct Sunlight; Lifestyle Shoot in Guatemala

I have to say, Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is one of the most photogenic places on earth. If you don’t mind the 4 hour bus ride from the airport and then maybe a boat ride or two, it is a spectacular place to take portraits! Especially if you are a travel and lifestyle influencer like Rebe.

This photoshoot was challenging for me because we shot in harsh, direct sunlight, around noon. Normally I try to shoot either when the sun is lower in the sky or on an overcast day, however, this was the only time Rebe was able to work with me.

When the sun is really strong like this, it can be hard to take photos due to harsh shadows and squinting eyes.

A few tricks to combat this are:

1. Have your client turn their face left or right, to capture their profile. Then tilt their head up until the sun illuminates their face. Get an expression with their eyes closed, which could be anything from laughing to a meditative pose. Or just have them throw on sunglasses. (All the photos above show this technique.)

2. Find shade or even have an assistant create shade with anything from a reflector to a piece of cardboard.

3. Try an action shot where your client does not have to be looking directly into the camera. Anything from spinning and showing motion with a dress, to a running shot taken from the side. (If anything, this time of day is really good for catching fast motion without blur, as a lot of light and a faster shutter speed is needed for that.)

If you’d like to learn more about Rebe, check her out here!