Take better travel photos

Is it possible to take striking scenic shots in the harsh midday light? Yes, says Mark Bauer, if you know a few simple tricks

Why the midday sun isn’t the death knell for top scenic snaps – so long as you know a few tricks

Most photographers agree that scenics are best shot during the ‘golden hours’ around sunset and sunrise, when the sun casts warm, flattering light on your subject. The received wisdom is that the middle of the day, with its harsh light, strong contrast and hazy atmosphere, gives poor results.

However, it’s not always possible to get up really early or stay out late for ‘ideal’ light. You may be travelling with others and tied to their itinerary, you may be on a brief stopover in your location or you may just not have the energy to get up at some ridiculous time in the morning.

Fortunately, it’s perfectly possible to get excellent results in the middle of the day if you have a little patience and take the right approach. For example, for this shot of Dubrovnik, taken from the city walls, I waited for clouds to drift in to the right position to add some interest in the sky and also partially cover the sun, so that the light was diffused and less harsh.

From Dawn to Dusk by Ross Hoddinott & Mark Bauer (Ammonite Press, £16.99) is out now. © 2018