Sunset photography: the only tutorial you need. Sunset photography is a favorite of summertime. The rich colours, dramatic lighting and strong shapes they offer can produce stunning shots with little need for much effort or clever planning from you. However, you might find that your camera often captures pale imitations of the sunsets you see with your naked eye. Somehow, the intensity of the colours may have been lost, or the composition might not work. So, here’s our guide to getting the most from a spectacular sunset, by composing your shots properly and adjusting the camera settings to make the most of the colours (download our free photography cheat sheet explaining the color temperature scale). For most of us, the temptation to shoot a sunset when we first see it is overwhelming.
But while there’s something to be said for getting a shot in the bag quickly, in case the conditions change, it can be worth spending a little longer over it to make sure you get everything right. A complete guide to sunset photography. How To: Sunset Photography. Very few things are as beautiful as the sunset. The pinks, the oranges, and the yellows burn an image in our minds that is unlike anything else. It’s easy to appreciate the beauty of a good sunset when it’s happening right in front of your eyes, but it’s much more difficult to capture it with your camera. If you’ve ever been dismayed with a so-so picture you’ve gotten back after seeing the best sunset of your life, this article is for you. Sunsets play evil tricks on your camera That’s the first thing you need to know about sunset photography.
To get that glow, I am constantly tweaking my shutter speed and checking the image that results on the LCD. Those of you with point-and-shoot cameras might not have a manual mode. Which aperture should you pick? So long as you’re shooting in manual mode, you’ll need to know which aperture to use for photographing sunsets. If there isn’t a lot of light, pick F8. Zoom in more Try to fill the frame with the sunset you are photographing. Tips on Photographing Sunsets and Sunrises. With a little enthusiasm and a lot of knowledge, anyone can master the art of sunrise and sunset photography over time. timeanddate.com would like to give readers a head start in taking beautiful photos of the sun that are worth framing or sharing with friends and family. This article covers some general tips and tricks that are recommended by many experienced photographers for sunset and sunrise photos. However, here are few words of warning – readers who wish to try sunrise and sunset photography must never stare at the sun as it can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
It is also wise to wear a hat and sunscreen for skin protection, as well as protective eyewear. Moreover, the camera can suffer severe damage if it is pointed directly at the sun, as the zoom lens will accumulate the sun’s rays, heating the insides of the camera and causing burn marks. Also, most cameras will only blend down to the chosen/automatic aperture when the photo is taken. ©iStockphoto.com/Jacom Stephens. 30 Sunset photography tips. Sunset - Jim Harmer Sunset Photography Tip #1. Underexpose. This is the most important tip for taking pictures of sunsets. Slightly underexposing the sunset will make the colors look more rich and defined. The entire scene will become more dramatic. You can underexpose by using manual mode and selecting a fast shutter speed, or you can shoot in aperture priority and use exposure compensation.
Sunset Photography Tip #2. Sunset Photography Tip #3. Sunset Photography Tip #4. Sunset Photography Tip #5. Sunset Photography Tip #6. Sunset Photography Tip #7. Sunset from white balance adjustment - Jim Harmer Sunset Photography Tip #8. Sunset Photography Tip #9. Sunset Photography Tip #10. Sunset Photography Tip #11. Sunset Photography Tip #12. Sunset Photography Tip #13. Sunset Photography Tip #14.
Sunset Photography Tip #15. Sunset Photography Tip #16. Sunset Photography Tip #17. "Heaven and Hell" - Jim Harmer Sunset Photography Tip #18. Sunset Photography Tip #19. Shooting Spectacular Sunrises and Sunsets from Nikon. Time to Get Creative For Jim, technique starts with a tripod. "I often like really long exposures, so if I were hand holding the camera I wouldn't be able to use creative shutter speeds. " Creative shutter speeds? "There's so much more you can do with shutter speed than just get the right exposure," Jim says. "You'll get the rippling of water in a scene when you use a slow shutter speed, and a major part of the story of that image will be your capture of that little bit of movement, that texture.
If you shoot at 1/200 second you don't capture any of that. " What Jim will do is set the camera for aperture priority, then choose a small aperture—say, f/16, f/18 or f/22—to force a slow shutter speed. Exposure can be tricky—after all, you're shooting into the sun, and although your camera's meter is going to do the best it can, it can often fool you. "But once the sun goes down, I like to shoot in manual. Top Ten Sunset Photography Tips And Tricks. Article updated Jan 2012 Wherever you are there’s usually an opportunity to photograph a sun setting over the horizon with all its golden colours.
You might point and shoot to get a decent record, but much more could be achieved with just a little extra thought. Photo by David Clapp - www.davidclapp.co.uk Gear A tripod is essential for sunset photography as small apertures can mean longer exposure times and hand-holding the shot can result in shake. You'll no doubt pack your wider lenses but consider taking a lens that has a longer reach too to pull distant hills closer to you. You should also consider packing an ND graduated filter as it'll help balance the brighter sky with the darker land and remember to pack a torch so you can see where you're going once the sun's set. Research This time of year's a good time to be shooting sunsets as the sun's still going down at a reasonable hour so make the most of it.
Look after your eyes Planning Depth of field Metering White balance Flash Horizons The sun. 12 Tips for Photographing Stunning Sunsets.