Step 6 of 14 · Phone Photography That Looks Intentional
Position relative to the sun
Position relative to the sun — step 6 of 14 in Phone Photography That Looks Intentional. Front light (sun behind you) is safe and flat. Side light (sun at 90°) adds depth and texture.
Free photography tip: Position relative to the sun (step 6 of 14 from "Phone Photography That Looks Intentional").
Front light (sun behind you) is safe and flat. Side light (sun at 90°) adds depth and texture. Back light (sun facing you) creates silhouettes and rim glow. Each is useful for different moods.
For your first golden hour shoot, stand so the sun is at your side. Photograph a textured surface — bark, brick, fabric. Notice how side light reveals texture that vanishes under front light. Then turn around and shoot into the sun with your subject as a silhouette.
Pro tip: If you miss golden hour, a window with indirect light gives you similar soft quality indoors.
1 more paragraph in this tip — free with a Learnlyst account.
Create a free account to read the full tip
Unlock “Position relative to the sun” plus daily tips. Guides and course pages stay public for search.
From the full photographed course
Phone Photography That Looks Intentional →This tip is one step — unlock all 14 steps inside Learnlyst.
More Photography tips
Ready for the full Learnlyst library?
Free account for daily tips · $9/mo or $79/yr for every course.