My Top Tips in capturing the perfect Sunset or Sunrise

Capturing stunning sunset or sunrise photography involves a blend of technical skills, creative composition, and an understanding of the environment.

I am personally a sunset worshipper as I am not a morning person. However, when you are on safari, you have no option,  You have to get going before sunrise.  So, I have put together a few go-to tips for Sunset or Sunrise Photography.  Enjoy this magical time of the day.

Research the Location:

Best Spots: Use apps like Google Earth, The Photographer’s Ephemeris, and PhotoPills to scout locations and determine the best vantage points for sunrise or sunset shots.

Accessibility: Make sure you can easily access the location and find safe spots to set up your gear.

Timing:

Golden Hour: Aim to arrive at your location at least 30-60 minutes before sunrise or sunset. The golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most flattering light.

Blue Hour: Don’t leave immediately after the sun sets or rises. The blue hour, the time of twilight, provides a beautiful soft blue light that can enhance your photos.

Check the Weather:

Clear skies can be beautiful, but clouds can add drama and color to your photos. Partly cloudy days often yield the most interesting skies. Be prepared for all types of weather.  Don’t let this be a deterrent.  You can get the best and most incredible sunsets when there are clouds and drama.

Camera and Lenses:

DSLR: These allow for greater control over settings and higher image quality.

Lenses: A wide-angle lens (10-24mm) is ideal for capturing expansive skies, while a telephoto lens (70-200mm) can help you focus on specific elements and compress the scene.

Tripod:

Essential for stability, especially in low-light conditions. I know, this is the most irritating thing to travel with, as it takes up so much space!  I have a smaller one, and a bean bag so that they can give me stability!  Mostly, it’s well worth taking your tripod!

Here are the Camera Settings I always go to:

Manual Mode:

Gain full control over your camera settings for the best results.

Aperture:

Use a small aperture (f/8 to f/16) for a greater depth of field, ensuring both the foreground and background are in focus.

Shutter Speed:

Adjust according to the light conditions. Slower shutter speeds can capture motion blur in clouds or water, adding a dynamic element to your photo.

ISO:

Keep the ISO low (100-400) to minimize noise and maintain image quality.

White Balance:

Experiment with different settings (daylight, cloudy, shade) to see which gives the best colors.

Rule of Thirds:

Place the horizon off-center, in either the upper or lower third of the frame, to create a balanced and interesting composition.

Foreground Interest:

Include elements like trees, rocks, or water in the foreground to add depth and context to your shot.

Silhouettes:

Use the backlight from the sun to create striking silhouettes of people, trees, or structures.

Reflections:

Look for water bodies to capture reflections of the sunrise or sunset, adding a layer of interest to your photo. During, your safari, ask your ranger to park alongside something interesting.

Safety:

Be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you are shooting in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous locations. Especially when you are on Safari.  You cannot get out of your vehicle set up your tripod and wait.  You will become someone’s breakfast or dinner!  Since sunset and sunrises are times to hunt in the bush! You must be sure of your surroundings.  Also when traveling don’t go to the most remote area, with all your expensive gear alone!  Without question, you will be a target for a criminal.  Always go in numbers and with a local who understands and has experience.

Warm Clothing:

Dress appropriately as sunrises and sunsets can be chilly. Honestly, there is nothing worse than being too cold and having to pull out of an amazing potential shoot because you didn’t pack a jersey!  Hence, I suggest you make sure you have your beanie, warm gloves, wind jacket, and closed shoes.  On Safari, scorpions love to come out after the sun sets.

Patience:

The most important to note. You need to have patience.  While, sometimes the best colours and light appear just before the sun rises or sets and linger afterward, so be patient and keep shooting.

Experiment and Creativity

Try different angles and perspectives. Shoot from high and low angles, and change your position to see how the light and shadows change. The sky is the limit, you can play with composition.  Recently, I was on a boat cruising down the Zambezi with no tripod.  Regardless, I had to be creative!  I used the boat for stability! Also, used the waiter’s shoulder!

HDR:

Experiment with High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to capture more detail in both the shadows and highlights.

By combining these techniques and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to capture stunning sunset and sunrise photography during your travels.

Lastly, make sure you are with someone who understands photography takes time.  You need to sit and wait for the last light or the first light.  You need to be comfortable, and warm and even have a drink!  Albeit, a cuppa hot chocolate or a glass of wine.  Photography is like art.  It takes time.  Practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find your unique style and approach.

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