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.

 

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