How to Make Good Photographs on Cloudless Days
[This blog post is the companion piece to my YouTube video on this topic.]
You set aside the day. Marked it on the calendar weeks ago: “Photography day trip.” You did your research, made your plans, maybe got your hopes up. Then the day arrives… and the sky is a blank sheet of blue. No clouds, no drama. Just harsh, unforgiving sunlight.
It’s a familiar dilemma.
I’ll use as an example a recent trip to the Central Oregon Coast. It was a wall-to-wall sunny day. Here are several strategies I used to make strong photographs even under a cloudless sky.
1. Consider Changing Locations
This is the move I didn’t make. I briefly checked other areas along the coast — all were the same. But what I didn’t do was look further inland or north toward the Columbia River Gorge. I had built up too much momentum toward Newport. Could I have pivoted? Yes. Do I wish I had? Maybe a little. Keep this option in mind, especially if you have flexibility.
2. Arrive Early. Stay Late.
Even on clear days, early morning and late evening light can be magical. The golden tones and long shadows add texture and warmth. I left early (though not quite early enough) and caught some nice light by the Yaquina Bay Bridge.
3. Embrace Overexposure
Rather than fighting the sun, embrace it by overexposing. It’s a technique that can create a light, open mood, especially with clean compositions.
4. Switch to Black and White
This was my go-to approach in Newport. I changed my camera preview to monochrome and started composing for contrast, texture, and shadow. The harsh sun actually helps here. High contrast scenes — like the lighthouse, rocky cliffs, or even lounging seals — can become striking black-and-white images when composed with intention.
5. Hunt for Patterns and Textures
Strong sunlight brings out fine details. Look down. Look close. Harsh light might wash out sweeping landscapes, but it sharpens the micro-world.
6. Treat It as a Scouting Trip
Not every outing will yield portfolio shots. Use these days to explore, learn, and plan. I drove 30 miles south to scout Thor’s Well — a place I’d admired from afar but had never visited. I wasn’t ready to get right up to the edge, but I learned a lot that will help next time.
7. Experiment with Long Exposures
With an ND filter, you can transform a harsh midday scene into something dreamy and surreal. To be frank, I didn’t like my attempts at long exposures on this particular day.
8. Focus on the Human Element
When the landscape feels flat, turn your lens toward people, architecture, and stories. These subjects can bring warmth and relatability to your images.
9. Be Grateful
This last one is less a photography tip and more a mindset shift. I didn’t get the clouds I wanted. But I did get a full day on the Oregon Coast with my camera. That’s a gift.