Preparing for Sunrise and Sunset Photos
A sunrise and sunset shooting checklist, from choosing a location to calculating the time and packing gear.
Calculate the time and place in advance
Half of a good sunrise or sunset photo is preparation. Check the sunrise and sunset times and the bearing (the direction the sun rises and sets) at your location in advance.
Arrival and setup
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise, and before golden hour begins for sunset.
- Use a tripod to prevent shake and level your shot.
- Wipe dew and dust off the front of the lens to reduce flare.
Exposure and composition
- Because the brightness difference between sky and ground is large, use a graduated filter or bracketing.
- Placing a subject in the foreground that becomes a silhouette adds depth.
- Rather than putting the sun dead center, try the rule of thirds.
Wrapping up
If you wait past sunset until blue hour, you can capture additional photos with a completely different mood.
Because the direction the sun rises and sets changes with the season, it helps to gauge the bearing in advance using the seasonal representative-day table.