Caution: do not look into the sun it will damage your eyes. I use live view or my Sony's digital viewfinder, but never use an optical viewfinder to look at the sun. I went out early to a location I have been watching. The weather did not play along. The clouds never got much color and looked gray and drab; nice for running but not for photography where you include the sky.

          Yet, I do like the scene. I have interesting rocks in the foreground. There are rocks leading into the image in the middle ground. The grass is nice and green. There are trees and a mountain in the distance. The scene has the makings of a good image. Remember, that a great shot has more to do with light than a scene. That is why I will go back to this scene over and over again until I find great light.

          What is one to do in a situation like this? How can I add interest? How can I make this image better? Perhaps I would not have attempted this shot with my Canon, but since I am now shooting with my Sony (with great dynamic range), I decided to shoot directly into the sun. Please note that this is not a mild setting or rising sun; this sun is already up for a while now. Here is the image:

It was amazing to even get a sun star. Well, there you have it, why not add the sun? See if it can add value to your image. I have a feeling that I will be shooting into the sun more often.