NZPhotographer Issue 45, July 2021

Kaimai Pastels
Sony Alpha 6400, 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS @ F5.6, 1/320s, ISO200, 50mm
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE FOR
CAPTURING SUNSET AND SUNRISE
PHOTOS?
I think the most important thing when you want
to take sunrise or sunset photographs is to have
a systematic process to practice, so that it
becomes second nature. Use a tripod and set
your shutter on delay or use a remote, this is
especially important on long exposures to settle
your camera. Even though not really necessary,
if you set your camera to bracket the shot, it can
be an advantage for post production especially
if you want to make HDR images.
Arrive early to set up your gear, make sure
you take a headlamp so you can see your
foreground objects and camera settings.
Choose where the direction of light needs to
enter your shot and check your frame edges
for composition. I recommend always shooting
in manual mode and double checking all your
settings before pushing the button.
Neutral density filters are fantastic for obtaining
longer exposures whilst smoothing out water and
clouds. F8 - F16 should be fine to get the most
of the depth of field, use manual focus and pick
a spot half way towards the horizon. Purchase
good quality filters as these require less colour
adjustment in-post.
WHAT HAVE YOU STRUGGLED WITH THE
MOST IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND HOW HAVE
YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?
Getting out and taking photos has been my
biggest struggle. I have, until recently, been very
time poor due to my work so getting motivated
has been difficult. However, there is nothing like
a new lens to get you motivated and getting
out to places that you know have potential
for the shot you might be looking for or going
somewhere new that you know has potential -
we live in New Zealand after all so it can’t be
that hard!
Now I have more time, I really like to go out with
my camera and will generally plan my shots,
22 July 2021 NZPhotographer