Shooting the sun

[Brighter Day]

I am trying to shoot the sun at sunset or during the day. I am finding out that I am not getting what I want. The sun disappears from the image. My camera is a Canon R5 typically with a Canon 100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM, So I hope its not a camera problem.

I have thoughts its about the White Balance which remains on auto.

Really all I am seeking is a basic sunset shot or daytime shot in the trees with a sun star.

 

[407370]

I am trying to shoot the sun at sunset or during the day. I am finding out that I am not getting what I want. The sun disappears from the image. My camera is a Canon R5 typically with a Canon 100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM, So I hope its not a camera problem.

I have thoughts its about the White Balance which remains on auto.

Really all I am seeking is a basic sunset shot or daytime shot in the trees with a sun star.

Hi there,

How I took this:

Nikon Z8 / 14-30MM F4 set at 14mm / F11 / ISO 64
Setup on a Tripod with 9 Stop ND + Circular Polariser (6.5 Second shutter).
White balance set to Sunny, I dont know Canon but I assume same is available. I never use Auto White Balance as I use it as a fixed point for everything I photograph outside.

Sun Stars are created when the aperture blades get close enough to each other to generate a flare in the shape of sunbeams. The production of the sun stars is dependant on the scene. The brighter the scene the easier it is to produce them. Method is to just keep changing aperture until they appear. Depending on the totality of the situation you might have to go around F30.

The below image had the sun stars added in post:

Hope this helps.

CHEERS
JBO

 

[wfooshee]

What does "disappears from the image" mean?

 

[RAZKY]

What does "disappears from the image" mean?

Indeed. We can't help if you don't explain the problem.

 

[Strodav]

This video from the school of photography might help:

 

[Brighter Day]

Tonight I was able to get shots that explain my problem. I was trying to shoot the setting sun at iso 5200 and I got this mess flickering in my viewfinder. Obviously one I want, but in the flickering I can’t really choose. I don’t know what to do to stabilize the image.

 

[VidThreeNorth]

1R0A3526.jpeg looks out of focus. I think 1R0A3527.jpeg is behind the clouds. If you want the sun itself and assuming you are not using a telephoto lens (say, longer than 75mm), you should be able to turn off autofocus, set the focus to infinity and leave it. Beyond 75mm (and assuming an aperture of F4 or larger) you should try to manual focus it.

 

[Brighter Day]

So what the camera is telling me is it cannot get focus. Going manual focus sounds like a good idea. I will try that on the setting sun tonight.

 

[Brighter Day]

I was a little late for sunset tonight, but shooting in manual seemed to give a great shot, nice and clear. I also realize that I typically shoot zone AF which is causing problems trying to focus on the sky. I need to use a point AF for better AF in the situation.

 

[wfooshee]

AF needs an edge to get focus. Focus on the horizon, or the edge of a cloud, and then turn off AF and leave it alone.

However, if you change your zoom setting, you might need to refocus, as most modern zooms, especially "budget" lenses are not true zoom lenses, but vari-focal, meaning they don't hold focus distance as they zoom.

 

[declanjames89]

I am trying to shoot the sun at sunset or during the day. I am finding out that I am not getting what I want. The sun disappears from the image. My camera is a Canon R5 typically with a Canon 100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM, So I hope its not a camera problem.

I have thoughts its about the White Balance which remains on auto.

Really all I am seeking is a basic sunset shot or daytime shot in the trees with a sun star.

Buddy, with your Canon R5 and Canon 100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM lens. If the sun is disappearing from your images, it might not be a camera issue, as you mentioned.

You might be onto something with the White Balance set to auto. When shooting the sun, especially during sunset or in bright daylight, adjusting the White Balance manually can help you achieve the desired look. Try setting the White Balance to a specific mode like "Daylight" or "Sunlight" to enhance the colors and details in your shots of the sun and trees.

For capturing a basic sunset shot or a daytime shot with a sun star in the trees, consider adjusting your camera settings to include a smaller aperture (higher f-number) like f/16 or higher to create a sun star effect. Additionally, try positioning the sun behind the trees or other objects to create a dramatic silhouette effect with the sun peeking through the branches.

Give these adjustments a try, and you might just capture that stunning sunset or daytime shot you're aiming for with the beautiful sun star effect!