Photographing Sunsets

[usayit]

Also... don't for get about sun rises (if possible). They can be just as beautiful as sunsets but many people can't seem to get up early enough... lol

Generally cooler look versus the warmth of a sunset.

 

[JerryPH]

No, he's right, he's got a point there, although it's not explained very clearly. Everything else being equal, a smaller aperture will give you a sharper photo. Make sure that you have everything else right first (what i mentioned in my post, and also low ISO) and then see how much you can stop down the lens.

Well then its my turn to disagree... lol

While in this scenario, you do want a deep DOF so that you can clearly see the setting sun AND your subjects, but you actually LOSE sharpness if you go fully closed as opposed to knowing what your lens' sweet spot is and trying to use an aperture that is as close to that sweet spot as possible and still get the DOF that you need.

Also, a horizon that is lightly blurred with subjects that are tack sharp still accomplishes an additional goal... it increases the focus on what you want (people standing in front of the setting sun), and if the setting sun is the goal, then you set focus on infinity and get that same horizon all nice and sharp.

Little things like this make the difference between a nice picture and an "oooh-aahh" picture.

 

[memento]

Well then its my turn to disagree... lol

While in this scenario, you do want a deep DOF so that you can clearly see the setting sun AND your subjects, but you actually LOSE sharpness if you go fully closed as opposed to knowing what your lens' sweet spot is and trying to use an aperture that is as close to that sweet spot as possible and still get the DOF that you need.

i'd be more concerned about color and not so much about sharpness.
i've noticed a dramatic difference in color between f/8 and f/22, the later being better.



to teh OP,
as someone already said... PRACTICE.
i don't have a clear view of the horizon.
fences, trees and houses block my view,
but i have shoot hundreds of pictures of the sun going down.
i've made some awesome shots with beautiful color, albeit with a busy foreground and peeking through trees.
but hey.. i'm just practicing.

 

[rjackjames]

Great tips and suggestions...if I can get to try them all I will....thanks guys for the all nice info.....this topic has become very interesting and informative.....