How to Take Spectacular Sunset Pictures

Beautiful sunsets please most everyone’s eye, and that is probably the reason there are so many photographs capturing their gorgeous colors. With a few simple techniques to help with your sunset photography, you too can photograph stunning sunset images, ones you will be proud to frame and display for you friends and family to see.

Sunset Photography Rule #1: Protect your Camera and Eyes

It is harmful for your eyes and your camera's image sensor to aim your camera directly at a bright yellow sun. And, if you are using a long lens or optical zoom, the magnification will also have damaging effects. To protect your eyes and your image sensor, wait until the sun sinks below the horizon or becomes a dark red. You get double benefit from waiting as you will have a better sunset picture and you eyes will be protected.

Sunset Photography Rule #2: Get the Intense Color

Has this ever happened to you? You want to capture the brilliant colors of a sunset so you snap your picture thinking you have the best sunset photograph ever only to be disappointed when your photograph has none of the beauty of the sunset that you saw. Where did those brilliant oranges and beautiful pinks go? Usually the culprit is the camera's automatic white balance. The human eye enjoys all those brilliant, beautiful sunset colors while your camera’s automatic white balance wants to “correct” them, dull them down so they appear normal. These tips will help you get the most out of your sunset photography:

• For manual settings turn off the auto white balance and set the white balance to the warm side.

• If your camera has a color lens setting or you are shooting with an SLR or DSLR, try a few shots with the red filter selected or attached to see if that gives the effect you want.

• If you are using a compact without manual settings, just set it to Sunset mode. This also works for sunrises. Sunset mode automatically sets the white balance to keep the warm shift in its color balance. Sunset mode also helps the camera to automatically use the best focus and exposure (no flash) for this type of picture.

• Do you have a camera with none of the above? Simply use Landscape mode or automatic. You can then use a photo editor to adjust the white balance to reflect the brilliant colors you saw.

As in any learning process - photography is no different – experiment with what you have. Try different exposure settings or use a photo editor to darken or lighten the captured image. If you do use photo editor, be sure to save the original and work on copies. Try using a slower shutter speed as it will better capture the sunset, but remember to use a tripod to keep your camera steady.

Sunset Photography Rule #3: Get the Best Composition

• Basic landscape photography techniques and patience are what you need to create beautiful sunset photographs.

• Sunsets, sunsets, sunsets. Not always the same, not always equally stunning. For a breathtaking sunset photo, you need a breathtaking sunset. Clouds can add depth and drama to a sunset. Capture fire in the sky when the sun sets below dark clouds, flooding the sky with a bright orange color and casting a pink glow as it tinges the dark clouds.

• Sunsets change from moment to moment. Allow yourself ample time to watch the sunset so you can capture the sunset at its peak of beauty.

• Find a vantage point for your sunset photos free of life’s clutter. Avoid power lines and obstructions like buildings. A building could serve as your focal point if you want to capture the sunset reflected in the building’s windows.

• Provide context and scale to your shot by composing with something in the foreground. A couple walking on the beach, a palm tree or a boat silhouetted by the sunset will add drama to your sunset photography

• Remember the “rule of thirds.” If the silhouettes or sunset reflecting on water are the beautiful focus of your photo, fill two thirds of the view with that. 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 you want an unobstructed view of the sun setting over the horizon you need to head to a beach. Beaches provide some of the best sunset pictures with dramatic color reflecting off the water and silhouetted sailboats or people. Wherever you can have an unobstructed view of the horizon, like a desert or open prairie, you will surely capture great sunset photographs and be thrilled with your sunset photography.

So, head outdoors and practice these tips for succeeding at sunset photography. With a little practice and patience you will be pleasantly surprised with the beautiful results of your sunset photography efforts.