Photographing nature isn’t just about animals, plants, or fascinating geographical structures. Every now and then, light itself becomes the subject of our pictures. One such example is when we see soft, dreamy sunbeams streaming through dense foliage or trees. Where can we find them, and how do we get a good picture? Landscape photographer Jiro Tateno shares some tips. (Reported by Jiro Tateno, Digital Camera Magazine)
EOS R5/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 24mm/ Manual exposure (f/16, 1/4 sec)/ ISO 50/ WB: 4,900K
Location: Kameda Fudo Falls, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture
This waterfall is the perfect place for photogenic sunbeams. When the dense spray flying from its 25m-high cascades interacts with the sunlight filtering from between the trees at the top, the sunbeams created are like light streaming from heaven.
1. Look in waterfalls, rivers, and misty places
Sunbeams appear when sunlight is reflected by particles in the air. These particles can be dust, sand, smoke, or moisture, which is why rivers, waterfalls, and other wet or foggy places are good places to look! If you are visiting a river or wetland, your chances of seeing sunbeams increase on sunny days right after a wet spell due to more moisture in the air.
It’s even better if the place is surrounded by trees. For one, sunbeams are more obvious against darkness. For another, light passing through trees and foliage is especially photogenic.
Tip: You will be shooting into backlight, so set your settings accordingly. Make sure your lenses are clean to reduce unwanted flaring and artefacts.
Preconditions for beautiful sunbeams
Where?
- Foggy or misty places (near water bodies like rivers!)
- Waterfalls and places with water spray
- Ideally surrounded by trees
When?
- On a fine day (sunbeams will appear as backlight)
- (For rivers etc.) On hot, sunny days after the rain
- Times of the year where there are large temperature changes.
2. Use a slow shutter speed: 1/4 seconds or slower
EOS R5/ RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM/ FL: 74mm/ Manual exposure (f/8, 1/4 sec)/ ISO 500/ WB: 4,900K
Mist, fog, and waterfall spray are always moving. If your shutter speed is too fast, the sunbeams will look thinner, uneven, or less defined as there is insufficient time for the water particles to catch the light. Use a slower shutter speed for better results. I recommend starting with 1/4 seconds and adjusting from there.
Tip: Remember to bring an ND filter— you never know when you need it for longer exposures!
3. The more waterfall spray, the denser the sunbeams
Failed shot
EOS R5/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 29mm/ Manual exposure (f/11, 1/4 sec)/ ISO 100/ WB: 4,900K
Look out for parts of the waterfall where the spray is stronger. More water vapour in the air means more particles to reflect the sunlight, which translates to denser sunbeams. In the above image, you can barely see any sunbeams at the waterfall. That’s because there isn’t much spray.
However, don’t give up on your favourite waterfall even if it has a seemingly weak water flow. That could change especially after heavy rainfall!
Find out how a black umbrella could help your sunbeam photos in:
2 Everyday Items That Could Transform Your Photos
Also see:
3-minute Post-Processing: Sunbeams at a Waterfall
More tips for shooting and post-processing dreamy pictures of nature in:
Landscape Colours: The Subtle Beauty of a Waterfall in Blue & White
Composition Tips for Making Mist Pop
Camera Settings for Photographing Misty Streams and Rivers
About the Author
A monthly magazine that believes that enjoyment of photography will increase the more one learns about camera functions. It delivers news on the latest cameras and features and regularly introduces various photography techniques.
Published by Impress Corporation
Born in Tokyo in 1975. From around 1990, he came into contact with nature through fly fishing, and took up photography. From 1999, he travelled around the country taking photos with the theme of "Natural Beauty". He currently supplies photos for magazines, books, posters, calendars, and so on. He held an "Okinawa" photo exhibition in 2010, and "Northern Lights - Journey of Light/ Iceland" photo exhibition in 2017.