Thanks for stopping by my blog. With the Autumn Season starting (September 22, 2022) less than a week from today, I thought You'd enjoy a few freebies to enhance your photography skills. If you've been following my blog you know I'm a big fan of "giving back" to the Photography Community. Enjoy!
5 Tips for Success When Starting Out in Night Sky Photography – Free Quick Guide
As a photographer, the morning is an especially magical time because of the varied light it offers.
While
the same sequence of light occurs at the end of the day, it is often
easier to stay engaged with the moment when you have an empty schedule
early in the morning as compared to a typical evening.
In this guide, author Tomas Alvarez will offer some tips on how to maximize early morning light.
Most of these tips will focus on efficiently using the morning light, and one will be specifically for you as a creative person.
Here is what he will be covering:
What type of lighting to expect
The importance of creating a photography plan
Why you should get up earlier than you think you should
The importance of bringing neutral density filters
How to maximize your experience by stepping out from behind the camera
Have you ever sat and watched a storm in the distance, admiring the
shapes and textures in the clouds as they rolled past? Or have you
enjoyed watching a lightning show with thunder growling off in the
distance?
Perhaps you’ve been in awe of some of the fantastic storm images you’ve seen and wanted to capture something similar?
This guide will walk you through the steps needed to chase and capture stunning images throughout a storm.
Here’s what will be covered:
Safety
Terminology
Useful apps, tools, and resources
How to determine favorable conditions
What gear to pack
What to shoot
Editing your images
If you have a desire to chase some storms, this is the guide for you!
Everyone loves a fantastic sports shot! You know, the one with a
player catching the ball, and you can see every bead of sweat as they
make the winning play.
We know that many photographers out there
photograph their children in every sport ranging from little league to
figure skating. And most of the time, these folks are disappointed with
their results.
Okay. It’s time to get you off of the ‘Sports Mode.’
Lisa Cannon is an expert at sports Photography, and we have commissioned her to write us two guides on sports photography.
The first is on outdoor sports and the second will be on indoor sports.
Today, we are proud to announce “Top Tips for Improving Your Outdoor Sports Photography.”
Okay, you now have 7 no - cost guides to help you take better pictures. I hope you'll download them all, read, use, and enjoy them.
Here's another FREEBIE. "How to make $500 per month from your photography Hobby". Just copy & paste the link below into your web browser, click ENTER, and you'll be taken to the page on this blog that details how novice Photographer, "James Wheeler" did it, and is still doing it.
There’s nothing quite like a sunset. The sun slowly disappearing
below the horizon is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the natural
world.
But despite their beauty, sunset photography is not as easy as you
might think. Their glory doesn’t always translate into stunning sunset
photos.
In this article, we’ve gathered our 11 favorite tips to help you capture stunning sunset photographs.
11 Tips for Stunning Sunset Photography
Shooting sunsets is one of the most popular types of landscape photography. It’s hardly surprising. But sunset photography is a discipline all its own.
You need to know what gear to use. And how to use it in the right
way. But follow our sunset photography tips, and you’ll become a master
of sunset photography.
1. You’ll Need the Right Camera
We know we’re stating the obvious, but different photography genres often require different cameras. And sunset photography is no different.
For sunset photography, you need a camera that is well suited to landscape photography.
You want to capture every detail, so image resolution is important to look out for when selecting a camera. You can go DSLR or mirrorless, but we recommend a full-frame over a crop sensor camera.
Medium format cameras, with their larger sensors, are also excellent
for landscape photography. But they are expensive and lack the
versatility of smaller format cameras.
One thing to look for in a camera for sunset photos is a high dynamic range.
A typical sunset shot will have brights and dark areas. You need to
know that the camera will be able to capture the detail in both. A high
dynamic range will bring depth to your sunset photos.
And good ISO range
is also important. It might look like some cameras have a limited ISO
range. But they often have expandable ranges, so make an effort to check
that out before purchasing.
Photo by Ben Griffiths
2. Select the Right Lens for Landscape Photography
When it comes to specific genres of photography, you want to have a lens suited to the work you’re doing.
For sunset photos, you’ll ideally want a wide-angle lens. They’re excellent for landscapes. And the wide focal length will allow you to capture a broad sunset scene.
Whenever you’re shooting an image that includes the horizon, you want
to include as much of it as possible. It helps provide the sense of
grandeur that’s a feature of good landscape photography.
You can still capture an excellent landscape image without a
wide-angle lens. But you’ll need to set your lens to its widest focal
length. Usually, you will want to include as much of the scene as
possible.
A prime lens is all you need. Zoom or telephoto capabilities aren’t necessary for sunset photography.
Your lens options will be determined by the camera you have. But Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm all have excellent selections.
Photo by Byron Johson
3. Use Manual Mode to Capture Fleeting Sunsets
Modern cameras have excellent automatic functions. For sunset
photography, we recommend you go manual. Like Luke Skywalker, turn off
your guidance system and trust your feeling.
Conditions are constantly changing as the sun sinks lower in the sky.
You’ll have to adapt and change as quickly as the conditions. There’s a
higher risk involved. But the rewards will be greater.
The auto-settings will produce consistent results. But they can often
be flat and lifeless. So, to get the best sunset photos, you need to
master the settings. It could take time, but once you’ve nailed it, you
won’t be sorry.
Photo by Johannes Plenio
4. Adapt Your Camera Settings
The demands of a sunset scene are pretty unique in photography. You
need to have your camera settings adjusted for the purpose at hand.
White Balance
Set your camera up with a daylight white balance
preset. The sunlight won’t be as bright as at midday. But if you select
a different preset, it won’t pick up the richer colour tones of the
golden hour.
The auto white balance is another attractive feature. But again, we
say go manual. The auto mode is fine for most situations. But sticking
to the daylight preset will give you a more vibrant sunset image.
Aperture
Any landscape photographer will tell you to go with a narrow aperture. And they’d be right. Something around f.16 or f.22 is ideal.
A narrow aperture setting will give you a wider depth of field. The smaller your aperture, the more of your image will be in focus.
You are free to experiment with this. But a shallow depth of field might give you a flat and featureless sunset image.
ISO and Shutter Speed
Landscape photographers tend to opt for a lower ISO and a slow shutter speed. This approach will give your sunset photos stronger tones and sharper detail.
ISO 100 or 200 is a good place to start. You can venture lower if
your camera is able. You’ll need to compensate with a slower shutter
speed. Just remember the exposure triangle to get the camera set up correctly.
Photo by Robert Richarz
5. Use a Tripod to Avoid Camera Shake
A tripod
is a vital piece of equipment for sunset photography. Of course, you
could get some good shots without one. But having one will make your
life a whole lot easier.
A tripod gives you more flexibility with your camera settings. You’ll
be using a narrow aperture, so a tripod will allow you to use a slow
shutter speed without camera shake.
You’ll need a tripod with legs that can be adjusted independently.
You’ll be working in natural environments, and the ground will often be
uneven. The tripod needs to give you the level platform to work from.
Photo by Yash Prajapati
6. Use an ND Grad Filter to Capture the Perfect Exposure
During the golden hour, you often have brights areas contrasted with
dark areas. With sunsets, the sky around the sun will be bright. And
earth and clouds are dark.
Even a camera with a good dynamic range can struggle to find a balance between light and dark. An ND Grad Filter can really help address this issue.
A Neutral-Density Graduated filter is a tinted piece of glass you can
put over bright areas of your shot. It allows you to find exposure
setting that suit the whole scene.
If you don’t have a filter set, you can try exposure blending.
You take two shots of your image. The first shot has your camera set to
capture the bright areas. And the second shot has settings for the
darker sections of the frame. You then blend the two images in
post-processing.
If you try this technique, don’t move the camera between shots. The
composition needs to be identical. And you’ll need to act quickly. The
sun will be sinking fast, and you don’t want to miss the second shot.
Photo by Joris Linge
7. Look for an Ideal Location
Sunset is spectacular no matter where you are. But when you want to photograph sunsets, your location is essential.
Scout out the best locations
in advance. Take evening walks to find the best spots. You can take a
smaller camera with you so that you can experiment and generate ideas.
Find the locations where the sunset is at its most breathtaking.
Think about composition and what you want your images to include.
Perhaps there are landmarks that can make your sunset images unique.
If you’re travelling and you don’t have the time to scout locations, ask the locals. They’ll know all the best viewpoints in the area.
Some handy smartphone apps can help you plan for a sunset shoot. Photo Ephemeris and PhotoPills are two great apps that help predict lighting conditions for outdoor shoots.
It has to be a location that is easy to get access. On the day of the
real shoot, you’ll be carrying all your gear. Mobility won’t be as
easy.
Screenshot of PhotoPills app
8. Plan Ahead to Capture Stunning Sunsets
A powerful sunset can make you think time has stopped completely. But
when you’re shooting sunsets, you’re working against the clocks. The
sun sinks fast. And before you know it, the burning globe has sunk below
the horizon.
You should already know your location so get there as early as you
can. Give yourself time to get set up before the golden hour starts to
get into gear.
If it’s a location you’re heading to for the first time, set off early. Give yourself plenty of time in case you get lost.
The tripod needs to be flat and stable. And you need to get the
camera framed just as you light it. This preparation means you can start
snapping as soon at the sun begins its earthward descent.
Even if you’re only a few minutes late, you might miss the best
shots. You don’t want to be adjusting your tripod legs when the sky
explodes with colour.
Photo by Vivek Doshi
9. Use Clouds to Add Dynamism to Your Sunsets
There’s an assumption that sunsets only work when you have a clear
sky. But this is not true. If the sky is completely overcast, there
won’t be much of a sunset. But having clouds in the sky can add
something special.
Clouds
are the perfect canvas for the setting sun’s last splash of colour.
They can add extra shades and tones. And they’ll enhance the sense of
depth in your sunset images.
The weather is not something you can control, so there is a large
element of luck involved. But don’t be disheartened if there are clouds
in the sky. Embrace them. Watch how they move so you can plan your
shots.
There are many different types of cloud. They can add texture to a
smooth sky. And they can add depth to otherwise flat imagery. And they
can hold colour after the sun as stunk below the horizon.
The colours and textures often make clouds the most prominent element
of your shot. They can steal the show. Use them to strengthen your
sunset images.
Photo by Diego PH
10. Search for a Unique Perspective
For genuinely stunning sunset photography, you need your photos to
stand out. There are millions of good sunsets photos out there. But many
are very similar and much the same.
Embrace your surroundings. Natural features or landmarks in the
landscape can help to identify your image. In addition, they can help
tie your photo to that specific location, making it more meaningful.
Water is another asset to the sunset photographer. It has a
reflective quality you can exploit to make your sunset photos pop with
colour. And the surface also adds new textures. The ocean is an obvious
choice, but pools and ponds are excellent too.
Don’t let the weather scare you. Don’t venture out if it’s dangerous.
But if the conditions aren’t as you planned, head out anyway. It’s a
chance for you to experiment. And you might end up with some stunning
images you didn’t expect.
Photo by Chi Chen
11. Be Prepared for Outdoor Photography
If you live in a beach-side villa, you won’t need to consider much
other gear. But if your sunset shoot involves an excursion, there are
other things you will need.
If you’re not familiar with the area, take a map. Smartphones have GPS capabilities, but you might run out of battery. A paper map won’t let you down.
If you’re shooting in a remote location, plan your route home. Things look different in the dark, and it’s easy to get lost.
A torch is an essential piece of equipment for a sunset shoot. When
your shoot is over, night will have fallen, and you’ll be in the dark.
We favour a head torch as this leaves your hands free to pack up your
gear.
Warm and waterproof clothes are important. You might work up a sweat
hiking up to your location. But once the sun dips below the horizon, the
temperature can drop fast. And the rain clouds could close in at any
moment. You don’t want to be caught in a rainstorm unprepared.
Photo by David Mullins
The natural beauty of a sunset can make some believe sunset
photography is easy. But that’s not the case. Sunset photography is a
form of landscape that has a unique set of skills and considerations.
You need the right gear. And you need to know how to use it to make
your images special. And great sunset photos have features that make
them stand out.
We hope these sunset photography tips have helped, and you now feel
confident about shooting sunsets. Be confident and have fun. Go out and
experiment with the information we’ve provided.
Sometimes we get so caught up in thinking about what we can do to
make our photography better that we lose sight of how photography can
make us better.
Think about that for a moment. You are improving yourself by using your camera. Pretty awesome thought!
In this guide, author Leanne Cleaveley walks us through her growth journey through nature photography.
Along
the way, she will provide you with tips and suggestions on how to use
her story as a springboard for your photography and learning experience.
She covers…
How photography can soothe the soul.
Why nature photography, in particular, is calming.
How to ground yourself through introspection and exercises.
Using photography to relieve the stresses of work.
The benefits of having a plan or perhaps not having one.
The joy of shooting in any weather or any season.
How to enjoy the moment—even if you don’t take any photos!
Finding the ideal exposure is one of the first things that
photographers learn. Metering is a process in digital photography that
works out what the correct exposure should be.
The camera uses the so-called metering sensor, which is a device
located inside the camera. It measures the brightness of the subject and
adjusts the metering accordingly.
Some people use a light meter to calculate the appropriate settings. In this article, I will show you how to take pictures without the light meter.
Photo by Luke Barky
Why Should You Adjust the Metering?
The camera can’t change the exposure of separate parts of the photo.
This is why it needs to
figure out an exposure that works for the whole
picture. Many photographers encounter
problems with it when taking
images of high contrast subjects.
This next photo is 
Here’s an example of where 
