How to do sunset photos, part 2.

Haystack rock, near Pacific City, Oregon.

Once you have figured out what your exposure should be, it is time to frame up your shot.  If you don't know what I am talking about, click here.  Send a hundred people out with cameras, get them to take ten different shots of a sunset, and you will get a thousand different pictures.  Some will be great, some mediocre, and some not so awesome.  Even though they are all shooting the same sunset, there are a host of variables which produces such diversity.

I always scan the area I am shooting in for attractive foreground structures.  They should be simple and easily identifiable in silhouette form.  Nothing at all tends to be weak, even though the colours can be quite attractive.  When I find something, I next have to move around and think how I will compose it relative to the setting sun.  This requires a lot of moving about and playing with focal length.  I use the rule of thirds in my compositions, although not religiously.

Since sunsets are so fleeting, it is not a bad idea to do a trial run the night before.  It will give you a good idea of where to be at what point in time.  This way you will already have a plan and not be rushed as the time drains away.  I really like reflecting water in sunsets, especially when the winds are low and you get a marvelous shimmering sheen of light coming off it.  Tie that in with sky, silhouette, and sun and you will be pleased with the result.

If you want to photograph a person in the shot, consider using an external flash.  You do exactly the same as before but add flash.  With an ISO of 100 at f/8 and a shutter speed of 1/200th of a second, your built-in flash will be good for only 5 or 6 feet.  An external unit will give you 12 feet or so, which should be plenty.  Take a photo and press play on the camera and examine the result.  If the person is too bright (overexposed), dial down the power of the flash by using flash exposure compensation.  Try a -1 stop change first then adjust as needed.

The great thing about photographing sunsets is that you get to experience them.  We are often too busy to stop and enjoy their beauty and the peace they evoke.  Yes, the goal is to capture their beauty, but I learned a long time ago that photography is both an art and an excuse to go and do wonderful things.  Enjoy life, and take a few pictures along the way.