10/09/2026
Two things changed my photography more than any camera upgrade ever did.
1. Find open shade.
2. Stay out of spotty light.
Open shade is the soft, even light under a porch roof, beside a building, or under a thick tree canopy. No harsh shadows across the face, no squinting.
Spotty light is that pretty dappled sunlight under a tree. Looks nice to your eyes, terrible on a face.
Next time you are photographing your kids, move them just a few feet into the shade and watch the difference.
I made a free beginner's guide that explains this stuff in plain terms: Link in comments.