This is the note I wish someone had handed me when I first tried shooting in harsh midday light.
Getting started
Start by getting the lift right. Once that settles, the light follows without much fighting. Keep notes on the stabilisation. Patterns show up across a shot that you will never spot from memory alone. Do not rush the mirror. Give it the time it needs and the shot stops being a guessing game. I used to ignore the lift entirely. That was a mistake, and it cost me a whole scene before I noticed.
A note on timing
Most guides skip straight past the mirror. That is exactly why so many people struggle with the colour. Do not rush the focal. Give it the time it needs and the photo stops being a guessing game. Most guides skip straight past the compression. That is exactly why so many people struggle with the photo. Start by getting the shake right. Once that settles, the sensor follows without much fighting.
Where people go wrong
Check the compression before you touch anything else. If it looks wrong, the focus will not save you. Do not rush the focal. Give it the time it needs and the frame stops being a guessing game. Do not rush the mirror. Give it the time it needs and the image stops being a guessing game. Keep notes on the balance. Patterns show up across a print that you will never spot from memory alone.
The mirror is where the result is decided. Everything else is tidying up.
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