Project 52, Week 31, Sunrise Sunset

You'll need to get up early and/or go to bed late for this week's topic as we'll be shooting in the golden hours to capture the sun rising and setting.

Shooting a Sunrise with Rick Sammon.  Mr. Sammon has a new feature, Sunset Saturday, on his photography blog where he will publish selected sunset photos submitted by his readers. 

Things to consider:

• Focus on composition to make your sunrise/sunset photos stand out.  (Accidental pun)
• Consider the Rule of Thirds when composing your sunrise/sunset photo by placing the sun off-center. 
• Most sunrise/sunset pictures are horizontal landscapes.  Try some vertical shots.
• Look behind you.  The sun may be creating "special effects" on a subject just over your shoulder that you'll miss if you don't turn around.
• Slightly underexpose to bring out the colors.
• The best colors are often seen just before or after a storm or rain.
• Get there early!  You need to scout the location and set up your camera before the sun gets up or goes to bed.  A sunrise/sunset calculator can be helpful in getting there on time.
• Stay late!  You'll get the photographs that others miss.
• Bring a flashlight!  It may be dark before you begin or after you finish.  It can be rough walking in unfamiliar terrain and it may be difficult to set your camera controls if you can't see them.  (Bonus: Maybe you could try a little light painting while you're there.)
• Avoid looking directly into the sun, staring into the sun, or pointing your camera lens at the sun for a prolonged period.

Suggested Reading and Photographic Examples:

1. 30 Tips for stunning sunset photography by Jim Harmer at Improve Photography; short but useful tips
2. Sunrises and Sunsets at Ron Bigelow Photography; illustrated article that includes comparison photos
3. 40 Breathtaking Examples of Serene Sunrise Photography and 52 Dazzling Examples of Sunset Photography by Bill Jones at The PhotoArgus; just photos
4. How To Shoot Heavenly Sunrises and Sunsets Anywhere by Jeff Wignall at Adorama; moderate length illustrated article
5. Sunset Photography Settings and Tips by Nick Carter at learnmyshot.com
6. 7 Steps to Perfect Sunrise Sunset Photos at Yanik's Photo School;short illustrated article
7. Sunset and Sunrise Photography: Five Tips by Andrew Goodall at Nature's Image Photography Weblog; short illustrated article
8. Sunset Photography by Roie Galitz at DIY Photography; illustrated article (a little different)
9. Shooting Sunsets and Sunrises Over Water at Mountain High Workshops; a pdf document
10. 12 tips for Photographing Sunrises and Sunsets by Darrin Rouse at Digital Photography School