Point at the sun or Not to point at the sun

[sanjuaner]

I have a canon 30D with 17to85 Is usm lens and in the manual it is saying not to point the camera directly at the sun. I have been looking at some photos taken with the sun in the background and the subject is totally black giving a very dramatic photo. I would like to experiment with this type of photograph but am hesitant to put the sun into the lens. Can someone give me some insight on how you can get away with putting the sun into the picture? Really want to give it a shot but this is an expensive toy to risk. Thanks

[willpresley]

You never want to point the camera directly at the sun -- that is the absolute rule -- well you can point it at the sun but don't take a picture that way because it can ruin your camera. Sun in background or at a angle to get the silhouette effect isn't going to hurt you camera.

Also Sunrise/Sunset you can photograph the sun because of the low angle in the sky and get some nice shots.

[sanjuaner]

Not really sure how the photograph was taken but the sun was in plain view behind the subject. Maybe he had some kind of filter on the lens. Although those dramatic sunsets with the orange sun in view I assume are taken because the intensity of the sun is much less than during the day when this other photo was taken. Won't chance it though. Just wondering how it was done without damaging the camera. Thanks for the advise. Steve

[Littlefield]

I would worry about my eyes .You can make yourself go blind if you look at the sun through a magnified lens it will burn your retina. Use a tripod and do not look thru lens.