Tip # 69 Playful Sunbeams

This week’s picture was taken with my point & shoot camera (Canon Powershot SX 200 IS). I set it to manual (M), and played around with the speed (TV), until I achieved the exposure (underexposed) that I was looking for. Because the camera was set for M, the aperture (A—lens opening) stayed the same, no matter which speed I used.

By underexposing the picture, the trees turned dark, and the emphasis is placed on the sunbeams breaking through the clouds. If I used a slower speed, the trees would no longer be a dark, and the rest of the picture would be too light, destroying the cool effect.

If your camera doesn’t allow you to manually adjust the speed and aperture, try aiming you camera so that the majority of the scene is fill with light (avoid the dark objects, like the trees), and push the shutter release button half way. This sets the exposure. Still holding the button in place, recompose the picture, and press the button all the way. This may or may not work, but it’s worth a try. It will depend on a number of factors, such as if your scene is in focus when you take the picture. Take tons of photos, and experiment with how much of the dark objects you allow in the picture when you’re setting for exposure.

So you see, you don't need any special, high-priced equipment to take amazing pictures. You just need the willingness to experiment and have fun.

(This picture was shot from the house we were renting in Sausalito, California, during spring break.)