Haleakala Sunset

Polarizing filters add an extra punch to daytime photos but have little effect on sunsets. A much more useful tool is a graduated neutral density filter. This filter looks like it’s been split down the middle with one half dark (like sunglasses) fading to clear glass on the other half. This brings the exposure of the sky, in this case where all the color is, closer to the ground exposure thus blending the two together better. This is especially useful for sunsets at the beach (well defined horizon) or sunrise at Haleakala where the dark lava makes it tough to show foreground detail while being backlit by the rising sun. The more open the aperture (f3.5 to f5.6) the more dramatic the effect.

Another challenge is shooting directly into the sun. Most cameras will underexpose the scene (dark looking with a pinpoint of light from the sun). For the proper exposure frame the image to either side of the sun with its glowing orb just out of frame. Depress the shutter halfway (this locks the focus and exposure) and without lifting your finger pressure off the shutter re-frame with the sun in your shot and depress the shutter button the rest of the way. Another technique for proper exposure is to use the exposure compensation which is a button or dial that looks like this – [+/-]. Open up (+) to lighten the image or close down (-) to darken. Usually a full stop (+1 or -1) or more is needed to see a difference.

Often landscapes are photographed with a wide angle lens but these lenses can also flare causing ghostly circles all over your image when shooting directly into the sun. Try using a zoom lens (this narrows the field of view and reduces flare) to fill the frame with the sun or use an object to block the sun and it’s flaring effect (trees work well). These techniques can give dramatic feel to your images and give your sunsets some extra silhouetted dynamics.

Lastly consider adding people to your sunset photos. A couple holding hands silhouetted against a sunset is an example of a powerful and romantic image. If you wish to actually see faces while keeping the sunset colors vibrant you’ll need to add light to your subjects with a flash. Many of today’s cameras have pop up flashes but they are not very powerful and you’ll need a lot of flash power to get a balance with the brightness of a sunset. Most pop ups do have some control though. Check the menu for “flash control” settings which usually have an exposure compensation scale. Add +1 stop of flash as a test but keep in mind you may need +2 stops of flash exposure compensation or more to hold sunset detail color while flashing enough light on your subjects to get a good balance.

With a phone you’re pretty much stuck with whatever power the “flash on” button will give you for your sunset people but the closer you get to your subjects the more flash power that will reach them. Stay wide and get as close as you can to your subjects without cropping out the background to much.

I hope these tips help you to get the best out of your vacation sunset photos!