How to Photograph in Harsh Sunlight (and Save the Shot with Presets)
By Kristen Vann | Virginia Elopement Photographer
Let’s be real—direct harsh sunlight is every photographer’s challenge at some point. Whether it’s a dreamy beach elopement scheduled for low tide or a golden Mommy & Me session that couldn’t be moved, sometimes you just can’t shoot at golden hour.
As a Virginia elopement photographer who thrives on storytelling and natural connection, I’ve learned how to embrace even the harshest light—and walk away with stunning, emotion-filled images. In this post, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for shooting in full sun, plus how my custom Golden Serenity Presets help cut editing time in half.
The Problem: Direct Harsh Sunlight in the Middle of the Day
We’ve all been there. No shade. No clouds. Just beaming, high-noon sun. It can blow out skin tones, create harsh shadows, and feel anything but dreamy.
But here’s the truth: it’s totally possible to shoot beautiful images in direct light without compromising emotion or connection—especially if you come prepared.
Real-Life Example: Low Tide, High Sun
I recently had a session planned around low tide at the beach—something that couldn’t be rescheduled. We were shooting around noon, with full sunlight. Normally I aim for sunrise or golden hour, but this time, we leaned into it.
This Mommy and Me session was all about connection, and I wasn’t about to let the sun overpower the story.
Tips for Shooting in Harsh Sunlight
1. Find Shade Whenever You Can
Even a small patch of shade can work wonders—look for trees, buildings, dunes, or even the shadow cast by a person. Use open shade to diffuse the light and protect skin tones from becoming washed out or blotchy.
2. Use Natural Objects to Block the Sun
You don’t always need full shade—just a smart barrier. Position your subjects behind trees, tall grasses, large rocks, or even each other to cast creative shadows and soften the light.
3. Position the Family in front of the Sun (Then Get Low)
One of my favorite tricks: put your subjects directly between the camera and the sun. Then lower your angle slightly to let their bodies block the brightest rays. This creates natural rim light, reduces facial shadows, and adds a dreamy glow around the edges—especially magical for beach or golden field sessions.
4. Backlight When Possible
Avoid front-lighting in harsh sun—it exaggerates every shadow and squint. Instead, turn your subjects so the sun is behind them. This works best when you expose for skin and slightly underexpose the background.
5. Shoot a Little Underexposed
Especially in harsh light, protect your highlights. Slight underexposure gives you more editing room later, especially when using presets like Sunworn Grain to bring back warmth and tone.
6. Embrace Movement & Connection Over Perfection
When the light’s not ideal, lean harder into emotion. Let your clients move, laugh, and interact naturally. That authenticity will always outshine technical perfection.
How Presets Save the Day
Even with good technique, editing harsh sunlight can be time-consuming. That’s where my Golden Serenity Presets come in.
I designed these to work with natural light—not against it. Whether you’re dealing with cool tones from beach sand or warm skin tones in bright light, these presets help you:
- Restore natural skin tones
- Add warmth and softness
- Keep colors true to life
- Speed up your editing workflow
Here’s a before and after from that same beach session using one of my free presets:
Grab My Free Presets
Want to try them for yourself? I’m sharing a free sample from my Golden Serenity collection to help you cut your editing time and elevate your work—no matter what the sun is doing.
Final Thoughts from a Virginia Elopement Photographer
Direct sun might not be your favorite lighting situation—but with the right tools and mindset, you can turn it into something beautiful. Whether you’re capturing a heartfelt family session or an adventurous mountaintop elopement in Virginia, these tips and tools can help you work with whatever light you’re given.
Trust your eye. Tell the story. Let the connection shine.
📸 Sneak Peek: Mommy & Me Session Using The Sunworn Set
This beachside Mommy & Me session was photographed in full, midday sunlight—proof that beautiful images can happen in any light. Using presets from my Golden Serenity collection, specifically The Sunworn Set, I was able to restore warmth, balance the tones, and bring out the emotional connection in every frame.
These three presets—Wildflower Embrace, Quiet Ash, and Sunworn Grain—were created for storytelling photographers who want soft, timeless edits even in less-than-ideal lighting.
👇 You can get them free here:
👉 Download The Sunworn Set
Book a session HERE
