As the summer approaches you might be thinking that it’s the perfect time to get outside and start taking some great photos that might look good printed on canvas. Well you’d actually be wrong. Strong summer sunlight isn’t the best light in which to take photos. Bright sun washes out your subject and can cause problems with your lens.

For better, richer photos that show off your subject’s skin tone and colourisation you’re better off taking your photographs in the shade, or even on an overcast day. This makes Britain a great country in which to practise your photography!

One thing some professional photographers do is to take their photos with a subtle flash, on a very low setting, and use it to slightly brighten the image. Using a low flash will create ‘catch lights’ in your subject’s eyes, adding to the life and dynamism of the photo.

You can also add a subtle yellow filter to your flash will compliment the natural light from the sun.

You should also avoid posing your subjects so that they are directly facing the sun. This will cause them to squint, creating wrinkles in their face. Don’t however do the opposite and have the sun directly behind your subject, as this will cause heavy backlight. Instead it is best to position the subject with the sun to the side of them.

The late afternoon is the best time of day to take your photos as the deep yellows created by the setting sun add a degree of warmth to your photos.