The Photographer's Ephemeris Explained

George Cairns demonstrates how to photograph a scene in the best possible light using The Photographer’s Ephemeris app

- George Cairns

THE MISSION

Get to grips with the incredibly handy photography app, The Photographer’s Ephemeris

Time needed

30 minutes

Skill level

Beginner

Kit needed

Smart device

The position and height of the sun makes a dramatic difference to the quality of your shots. If the sun is behind a landmark it will plunge it into silhouette. When the sun is behind you, the subject will be bathed with a flat wash of light, causing the photo to lack contrast.

However, if the sun illuminates a location from an angle, and when the sun is lower in the sky such as towards sunset, then the mix of shadows and highlights helps bring out the shapes and forms of buildings and landscapes.