Tips for Capturing Stunning Scenes
Capturing the beauty of sunrise and sunset has always excited me.
The key to photographing these moments is understanding how light works at different times of the day.
The soft, warm hues of the golden hour create a dreamy glow effect that's perfect for landscape photography.
Adjusting the exposure correctly is crucial, as the lighting can change quickly.
For a strong composition, I often look for a very simplistic “Keep it simple” approach, a little like selling real estate, only showcasing the key elements like reflections, and leading lines, well-balanced, well-lit elements.
Experimenting with different angles & in particular heights can also make a big difference.
Sometimes I position myself low to the ground or find a higher vantage point.
Planning Your Photography Session
To capture stunning sunrises and sunsets, focus on the blue and golden hours, do location scouting, and monitor weather conditions.
Understanding the Golden Hour
The golden hour is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset. At these times, the light is soft and warm. It's crucial to know the exact timing for your location. Sometimes, minutes count, and maximizing the key minutes can make a huge difference.
I use photography apps like PhotoPills and TPE to check the exact times and light angles for the golden hour and blue hour. This helps me plan the perfect moment to shoot. Understanding when the golden hour occurs maximises my chances of capturing beautiful light.
Location Scouting Essentials
Finding a good location is key. I always scout the area well beforehand if possible.
Visiting the place gives me a sense of potential shots and angles. It's always beneficial to go a day or two earlier and revisit the same locations often. Familiarity with the location helps me set up equipment quickly when the light is just right.
Using your mobile phone to take potential compositions is a great idea.
Understanding Weather and Cloud Cover
I never get too hung up on Weather. You can make compelling images in most weather conditions, although medium to high clouds are definitely your friend. I always check the weather forecast in advance.
Low cloud cover impacts the colours and mood of the sky. Websites and apps provide forecasts and cloud cover details. My favourite weather apps are WillyWeather, Windy.com, Alpenglow & Clear Outside.
I also consider the season and climate. Some locations may have more vibrant skies depending on the time of year. Generally, late Autumn and early winter have brilliant skies.
Planning shoots around weather patterns can improve the chances of getting that perfect shot. I also have a saying “you won’t get a good photo sitting on the couch”.
Camera and Equipment Settings
For beautiful sunrise and sunset photos, using the right settings and equipment is essential. Setting up your camera correctly and choosing filters can greatly influence your results.
Camera Setup for Sunrise and Sunset
I use a Canon R5 mirrorless camera on a sturdy Explorer tripod to avoid any camera movement, as these moments can happen during low light.
Manual mode allows me to have full control over all my settings. I typically start with the lowest ISO (around 100) to reduce noise and my go to apertures are f11, f8, & f16 depending on how much depth of field is required. Always using my histogram on the backscreen of the camera to monitor the exposure & ensure you’re not “clipping” highlights. I also generally set the white balance to "AUTO".
Using different lenses and focal lengths can add variety to my shots.
Utilising Filters for Enhanced Photography
Filters are key tools for capturing the full beauty of sunrises and sunsets.
A neutral density filter (ND filter) helps to reduce the light entering the lens, which is useful for longer exposures to capture smoother skies and silky water flows.
Graduated neutral density filters (GND filters) balance the bright sky and darker ground.
A polarising filter (CPL) enhances colours and reduces reflections & glare, making the colours more vibrant and saturated.
I only use NiSi Filters & work as an ambassador for this brand.
Understanding ND filters can significantly enhance the final image's quality and impact. I do have some videos on YouTube explaining more on filters.
Composing the Perfect Sunrise and Sunset
Composition is key for impactful sunrise and sunset shots.
Roughly using the rule of thirds to position the horizon can be a good starting point. Placing it off-centre can make the photo more appealing.
Including a foreground element close to the camera always adds depth and interest.
Adjusting the composition to place the sun behind an object can add interesting backlighting to the image.
Creative Approaches to Sunrise and Sunset Photography
Being creative in my approach sets my photos apart.
Break the rules, if it looks good shoot it, it caught your eye for a reason.
Abstract & intimate details compositions focus on small pieces of the landscape rather than the whole scene. Sometimes these are often right at your feet or on a tree or a zoomed in telephoto shot.
Brett Wood