We All Love Sunsets: Here Is How To Capture Them
Sunsets (and for that matter, sunRISES; if you happen to be awake then) entertain us with a daily display of ever-changing colors.
The purists (you know, those whose idea of a great image is something like an un-identifiable black shape on a black background) may consider sunsets “trivial” - but the rest of us are still un-spoilt enough to appreciate their beauty.
Sure, since sunsets/sunrises are such popular subjects, the very fact that they are so frequently portrayed may induce a sense of boredom in some people.
And therein lies the challenge: if you want to capture a sunset/sunrise that really gets the attention of someone who has already seen hundreds of such pictures - then YOUR interpretation needs to be something extra!
Tip #1: Include Something In the Foreground!
Look at the photo above, by “nattu“. It is a picture of a sunset - but what else? It is ALSO a great shot of some kids playing, silhouetted as black shapes against the fiery sky! This adds tremendous extra interest to the shot, which otherwise would be just a display of (pretty) colors and nothing more.
Tip #2: Use Reflections in Water!
Another great method for enhancing the effect of a sunset/sunrise picture is to utilize the surface of the ocean, or a lake, as a great mirror. One fine example of this method is the image here, made by “suchitraprints“. (I happen to have a similar picture somewhere but alas it is analog, made with an old-style camera; and I’ve never bothered to convert it to the digital format.)
This sunset in Chennai, India, is a superb shot. Note how not only the city skyline, but also the elongated cloud above the sun, are mirrored on the surface of the water.
Tip #3: Practical Stuff!
OK, there are also some more mundane things you may need to keep in mind. Such as:
- Bracket your exposures. The sky and sun are very bright, and to make them appear that way in the image you need to over-expose them a bit. If the camera is set on automatic exposure, it will try to get them “correctly” exposed - which to our human eyes means “too dark”. On the other hand, if the highlights are all washed out there’s no way you can get them back in there. Therefore, try different exposures.
- Plan ahead. Scout a good location in advance, and make sure you have your equipment in order. Once the sunset/sunrise begins to unfold, things happen fast. If unprepared, you may miss the show!
- Use a tripod. Without a tripod, it would be impossible to make such images as the sunRISE, by “Chris Gin“, shown here. The photographer achieved this dream-like effect on the moving water of the surface of the ocean by exposing the shot for 30 seconds! Naturally, he also needed to use a neutral-density filter to block out much of the light entering the camera, to avoid over-exposure.
- AND be careful. Avoid looking directly into the sun! Especially so in case you are using a telephoto setting, which magnifies the sun - even more dangerous to your eyes.
So, now go out and get those sunsets (or sunrises if you happen to be an Early Bird). Get some fresh air, and have fun!
