I was photographing rock climbing yesterday, and by the time we got to the route I wanted to photograph, it was midday. With a cloudless sky and intense sun, this is a time most photographers would kick back and wait for better light. But what if the ‘better light’ is in the middle of a sunny day? ‘No matter what the conditions and lighting, something will photograph well’. Assignment photographers know you don’t have the luxury of putting your camera away in the middle of the day because the sun is strong. You may only have one day to photograph a location. So you seek out subjects and locations that photograph well with the existing light…or add strobe to create your own light.
In this case I was photographing my son on a classic route in Tensleep Wyoming, The Gravy Train. The route ascends the backside arete of a large pinnacle, which is in deep shade in the midday sun. But in the background are bright sunny cliffs creating the perfect silhouette. Sometimes contrast and midday sun work perfect for the shot.