How to Photograph Sunrises and Sunsets

Preserve Mother Nature's beautiful colors on film.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Alarm Clocks
• Pencils
• SLR Camera
• Camera Bags
• Camera Filters
• Camera Lenses
• Camera Tripod
• Cameras
• Film
• Light Meter

Instructions

1. Set your alarm to catch a sunrise.

2. Give yourself plenty of time to set up your camera and tripod before the sunrise or sunset. Once Mother Nature begins her show, it will move very quickly and you'll want to get shots of the various degrees of the sunrise or sunset.

3. Choose a very saturated film for the best show of color. Kodak slide film labeled S, VS and SW; Fuji Provia and Velvia slide film; and Agfa Ultra 50 print film have color saturation capabilities.

4. Use a tripod so you can slow your shutter speed down, and put your camera on timed so you won't have any motion blur.

5. Meter off the part of the scene that you want to be the sharpest. If you don't have a light meter, you might be able to use your camera to help you meter your picture (see Tips).

6. Watch your depth of field when setting the camera. An f22 will put half of most everything in the picture in focus.

7. Experiment with filters to achieve softer lines and angles and brighter colors or to enhance a specific color in the sunset or sunrise.

8. Keep a journal of your camera setting, film, location and any special filters used so you can study the results after processing.

Tips & Warnings

• Meter a shot with a newer single-lens reflex camera: Say you want the reflection in the water to be the main subject. Point your camera toward the subject and press the fire button down halfway. This will lock in your camera's reading if you're using automatic. Then move your camera (while holding the button down) to frame your shot.

• Watch your horizon line to make sure it's horizontal and that it's not in the exact middle of the photograph. Remember the one-third rule when framing your shot.

• Never point your lens directly into the sun. This can cause damage to your eyes.