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BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Taking Sunset and Sunrise Photos

Photography Question 

Frank P. Luongo 		 

Properly Exposing a Sunset


I think I have a fundamental understanding of photographing sunsets. I have a scene in mind, with a setting sun across a western river. Large black rocks are the Palisades, almost mountainous structures at the same approximate distance as the sunset.
Do I take a reading off the sky? How does size of sun in scene affect metering technique? Thanks.


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August 24, 2004

 

BetterPhoto Member 		  Frank-
My sunset technique is to meter off the sky either to the right or left side of the sunset. I make sure that none of the sun is in the frame. I also make sure that my lens is not being flared by the sun as that will effect exposure also. If it is a fabulous sunset, I might bracket as well.


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August 24, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Charlie's response is correct to render the sunset as it appeared to the naked eye. A general rule of thumb when shooting into a sunrise/sunset: If it's uncomfortable to look at, it's too bright to meter directly. In this case, follow the advice above.
Quite often, though, especially during the summer months, the sun is obscured by haze as it rises or sets and you can meter with the sun in the frame with great results.
With either scenario, shoot fast to get as many frames as possible, and bracket.


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August 24, 2004

 

Daniel J. Nolan 		 
 
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Frank - It depends on what other items are to be in your sunset picture ie: silhouettes of trees, buildings, people, etc. If you don't want a silhouette, but want some shadow detail in the foreground item, then a fill flash might be necessary if the item is close enough (15 ft +/-). If there is only mountains and clouds or plain sky, then I read directly into the sun, then open up one stop. Most importantly bracket, always bracket a sunset. At least 1 and 2 stops. If you don't meter the sun then most likely it will be over-exposed and will reguire much "burning in" to save. I'd rather lighten an area of a photo than darken it since I find that shadow detail is easier to retrieve. This is especially true in digital photography. If you are waiting to shoot a bird or plane or other in flight in front of a sunset, then you don't have the option of bracketing. So, then read the sun, open up 1 stop, then wait for your object.
Good Luck, Dan Nolan


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August 31, 2004

 
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