Sunlight is nature’s most powerful lighting tool—and best of all, it’s free. When used intentionally, the sun can turn an ordinary photo into a breathtaking masterpiece. Whether you’re capturing a landscape, a portrait, or a candid moment, understanding how to use the sun as a decorative element in your mobile photography can elevate your images to professional quality.
In this article, we’ll explore tips, tricks, and techniques for using the sun as a beautiful natural enhancement in your photos—all from your cell phone. From golden hour magic to lens flares and silhouettes, you’ll learn how to let the sun take center stage in your shots.
Why Use the Sun in Your Photography?
The sun not only provides light—it adds drama, warmth, contrast, and storytelling. With the right timing and angle, the sun can:
- Create a golden glow
- Cast long, dynamic shadows
- Add visual interest through lens flares
- Create silhouettes that evoke emotion
- Illuminate natural textures
Using sunlight correctly is one of the most budget-friendly ways to improve your cell phone photography.
Best Times of Day to Photograph the Sun
When using the sun as a decoration in your photos, timing is everything. The two best times are:
Golden Hour (One Hour After Sunrise / One Hour Before Sunset)
This is a favorite among photographers for a reason. The sun is low on the horizon and casts a soft, warm light. This time of day is perfect for backlit portraits, sun flares, and glowing skin tones.
Blue Hour (Just Before Sunrise / Just After Sunset)
While the sun is no longer visible, its lingering glow adds a subtle cool tint to the sky. Pair it with city lights or reflective water for stunning mood shots.
Techniques for Using the Sun in Your Mobile Photos
1. Backlighting for Glow
Place the sun behind your subject to create a soft, glowing effect. This works beautifully for portraits and nature shots.
Tip: Tap the screen on your subject to adjust exposure. Lower the brightness slightly to prevent washing out the image.
2. Sun Flares and Light Rays
Capture sun flares by angling your phone so the sun peeks through trees, buildings, or around your subject’s shoulders. These rays add a dreamlike atmosphere.
Tip: Clean your phone lens! Dust and fingerprints can ruin a great flare shot.
3. Silhouettes Against the Sun
Want a dramatic, emotional image? Position your subject between the camera and the sun. Tap on the brightest part of the sky to expose for the light, turning your subject into a silhouette.
Tip: Try this with people, trees, bikes, or animals for eye-catching results.
4. Sunburst Effect
Use a small light source (like the sun peeking through leaves or architecture) to create a starburst. Most newer phones with aperture control or manual camera modes can capture this well.
Tip: Stand slightly off-center from the sun and partially block it with an object like a fence or tree branch.
5. Use Shadows as Composition Tools
Midday sun casts bold, graphic shadows—great for abstract and minimalist photography. Try capturing long shadows of feet, leaves, or fences for creative images.
Tip: Use symmetry and framing to make the shadows part of your story.
How to Frame the Sun in Your Photos
Rule of Thirds
Place the sun in one of the top corners of your frame rather than in the center. This adds balance and directs the viewer’s eye across the image.
Leading Lines
Use sidewalks, fences, or roads leading toward the sun to guide the eye and create a sense of depth.
Natural Frames
Trees, windows, or arches can frame the sun beautifully while adding layers to your composition.
Adjusting Camera Settings on Your Phone
Most smartphones now have Pro Mode or Manual Mode, which lets you control:
- Exposure: Lower exposure slightly to avoid blown-out highlights
- ISO: Keep it low to avoid grain
- Focus: Tap the screen to focus on the subject or the sun
Bonus: Use gridlines to keep your composition level and follow photography rules like the rule of thirds.
Editing Tips to Enhance Sun Elements
Even if you didn’t capture the perfect light in-camera, photo editing apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or VSCO can help enhance the sun’s decorative effect.
Try adjusting:
- Warmth and highlights to enhance golden tones
- Clarity and dehaze to make flares stand out
- Contrast and shadows to deepen silhouettes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overexposure: The sun can easily wash out your image if you don’t expose for it.
- Dirty Lens: Smudges make light scatter and can ruin flares or sharpness.
- Shooting into Harsh Noon Sun: Midday light is harsh and unflattering for most shots—stick to early morning or late afternoon when possible.
- Ignoring Composition: Don’t just include the sun—compose your shot with intent.
Final Thoughts
The sun isn’t just a light source—it’s a natural design element you can use to create mood, texture, and emotion in your photos. With just a cell phone and some basic technique, you can turn everyday moments into radiant, artistic images.
So the next time you’re outside, don’t just shoot your subject—shoot the sun, too.