Sunset Photography Tips and Tricks

If you have always loved looking at sunsets but could never get your sunset photos to turn out, then this article is for you. Learn the three most important rules of taking sunsets pictures so you can start taking sunset photos that will truly stand out.

It seems like everybody loves looking at beautiful sunsets, which is probably why sunset photography is such a competitive niche. If you want to take stunning sunset pictures, then here are some some simple techniques you can use to get photos that really stand out.

Sunset Photography Rule #1: Protect Your Camera and Your Eyes

It is harmful to your eyes and your camera's image sensor to point your camera directly at the sun. Using a long lens or optical zoom will magnify the damaging effects. Play it safe and get the better picture by waiting until the sun is sinking below the horizon or is a dark red.

Sunset Photography Rule #2: Capture the Color

Ever take a beautiful brilliant sunset and then see it on your computer and wonder what happened to the bright colors? Usually the problem is the camera's auto white balance. While your human eyes appreciate those brilliant sunset yellows, oranges, magentas and blues, the camera's automatic white balance tries to correct them, to dull them down so that they appear "normal.".Here is what you can do to capture the true color:
   
* If you have manual settings, turn off the auto white balance, and then set the white balance to the warm side.
   
* If you're using an SLR or DSLR or your camera has a color lens setting, try taking some pictures with the red filter.
   
* Using a compact camera that doesn't have manual settings? Really simple solution here: set it to sunset mode. This works for sunrises too. Sunset mode automatically sets the white balance to keep the warm shift in its color balance. Sunset mode also helps the camera use the best focus and exposure (with no flash) for this type of image.
   
* None of these apply to your camera? Use Landscape mode or auto, and then use photo editing software to adjust the white balance to reflect the brilliant colors you saw.
   
* You may also want to experiment with different exposure settings or use your photo editor to darken or lighten. Be sure to make changes on a copy of the original file- never the original!
   
* Sometimes a slower shutter speed will work better for sunset photos so if you do, make sure to use a tripod to steady your camera.

Sunset Photography Rule #3: Capture the Best Compositions
   
* Use basic landscape photography techniques and patience to create stunning sunset pictures.
   
* Not all sunsets make great photos. To get a remarkable sunset picture, you need an amazing sunset. Look for clouds, as they almost always make for more impressive sunsets. These are often found with sunsets over large bodies of water.
   
* Give yourself time to watch the sunset and wait for the really amazing pictures.
   
* Take your sunset photos from vantage points that give you a composition free of clutter, such as power lines and buildings (unless the building is serving as a focal point for your photo).
   
* Compose your pictures with something in the foreground like a palm tree or boat to give the image context and scale. The sunset will almost always create the silhouettes, thus adding more drama to your sunset photography.
   
* If the sky is the most dramatic part of the sunset, compose your picture so that two thirds of it is filled with sky. If the water's reflection or silhouettes is the most interesting part of the picture, give this 2/3 of the picture's frame.
   
* Go to the beach where you will find some of the best opportunities for sunset photos. Here you can watch the sun set over the horizon and your pictures will have the colorful reflections from the water. Other good places include the desert and prairie where you also often can see the horizon and where the additional dust in the air adds to the color.

This is all you need for succeeding at sunset photography so start using these tips and you'll be happily surprised at the beautiful sunset pictures you'll capture.

Article Tags: Sunset Photography, Photography Rule, White Balance, Sunset Mode, Sunset Photos

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