{"id":59232,"date":"2024-05-29T12:17:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T12:17:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/d223e251-d607-44cb-ae58-c306002188f0"},"modified":"2024-05-29T12:50:20","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T12:50:20","slug":"want-to-capture-the-sun-kissing-the-horizon-find-out-how-with-our-sunset-photography-top-tips","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcskyatnight\/rss_feed\/want-to-capture-the-sun-kissing-the-horizon-find-out-how-with-our-sunset-photography-top-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Want to capture the Sun kissing the horizon? Find out how with our sunset photography top tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ll show you the settings, tips and techniques you need for successfully photographing sunsets. <\/p>

By Pete Lawrence\n <\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 29 May 2024 at 12:17 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Sunset photography is one of the simplest yet perhaps most effective forms of astrophotography<\/a>, as you’re able to capture our host star just as it begins to dip below the horizon.<\/p>

Few can resist the natural beauty of a sunset portrait.<\/p>

The beautiful colours of a setting Sun – particularly in the autumn months – are a photographer’s dream: deep blue vignetting into yellow, orange and red.<\/p>

And if you can capture an interesting foreground – or even a spectacular cityscape such as Manhattanhenge<\/a> – in your photograph, all the better.<\/p>

Sunset photography is a simple way to capture a beautiful scene, and foreground objects can make all the difference. Here, the Sun is setting over Walney offshore windfarm off the coast of Cumbria, UK. Credit: Ashley Cooper \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
It might seem like a setting Sun is dimmer and less dangerous to view, but observing even a setting Sun without filters<\/a> or proper equipment can cause damage to your eyesight.<\/p>
A camera however, can fare better, and that’s part of the reason sunset photography is so appealing.<\/p>
Produce a spectacular image of the Sun\u2019s last moments before it slips beneath the horizon and you’ll have captured one of nature’s greatest spectacles.<\/p>
We’re not talking about an up-close capture of the solar surface here. For more info on that, read our guide on how to photograph the Sun<\/a>.<\/p>
$\"City$
City of London skyline at sunset. Credit: Gary Yeowell \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Sunset photography safety tips<\/strong><\/h2>
As ever it pays to show caution.<\/p>
When the Sun is less than a degree above the horizon, the thicker layer of atmosphere its light has to pass through attenuates its output.<\/p>
It also scatters more of the blue end of the spectrum leaving the predominantly orange-red tones to dominate. <\/p>
A safe way to achieve a camera view of sunset is to apply solar safety film to a telescope.<\/p>
If you are going to use a telescope, cap any finderscopes<\/a> before pointing at the Sun, as failure to do this may result in their cross hairs burning out.<\/p>
Once the filter has been fitted, you can get started.<\/p>
$\"Portsmouth\u2019s$
Portsmouth\u2019s Spinnaker Tower, silhouetted by the setting Sun \u2013 taken from 22km away. Credit: Pete Lawrence<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Top tips and key steps<\/strong><\/h2>
Point your camera or telescope\/camera combo at the Sun, being careful not to look through either camera or telescope as you do so.<\/p>
Use your camera\u2019s Live View mode to get a precise alignment.<\/p>
Rotate the camera so the horizon is parallel with the edge of the camera frame.<\/p>
$\"Don't$
Don’t look at the sunset through your camera’s viewfinder. Use its digital screen as it’s much safer. Credit: Johner Images \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Focus the image as best you can, zooming into the edge of the Sun\u2019s disc.<\/p>
This can be tricky to get right as the solar limb often appears to boil when the Sun\u2019s altitude is low.<\/p>
At your own risk, when the Sun has an altitude less than an apparent solar radius it\u2019s possible to remove any solar safety filter from your telescope and image directly.<\/p>
Discretion needs to be applied here and if you\u2019re not sure what you\u2019re doing, don\u2019t try.<\/p>
$\"Sunset$
Sunset over London. Foreground can really make a sunset photo, but do you risk detracting from the event itself? Credit: SHansche \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
If you do decide to remove the filter, do not look through the camera\u2019s viewfinder and never leave the setup unnecessarily looking at the Sun if you\u2019re not taking photos.<\/p>
In such circumstances, simply reapply the safety filter until you\u2019re ready.<\/p>
Use your camera\u2019s lowest ISO<\/a> value and set the exposure to the fastest shutter speed. Take a shot and examine for over-exposure.<\/p>
If the Sun\u2019s disc is over-exposed, re-fit the filter. If the Sun is dim enough not to over-expose, adjust the exposure so the Sun appears bright but its disc shows colour and doesn\u2019t appear white. <\/p>
$\"Manhattanhenge$
Manhattanhenge is a great event for sunset photography. Credit: Gary Hershorn \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Sunsets are a spectacle in their own right, but with a bit of planning or simply by monitoring how the Sun moves from one evening to the next, it\u2019s possible to enhance an image with a foreground silhouette. <\/p>
If you are up to the challenge, it\u2019s possible to achieve something truly spectacular.<\/p>
**If you do manage to capture a beautiful sunset image, we’d love to see it! Find out** **how to send us your astrophotos<\/a> or get in touch with us via Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>**
This article originally appeared in the November 2019 issue of <\/strong><\/em>**BBC Sky at Night Magazine<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n**
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