Sunset advice

[Sherm]

I am headed out this evening for some sunset landscape beach photos with a limited time frame to shoot. Am I better off shooting before or after the listed sunset time? Thanks for the advice.

 

[BZSPhotography]

Start with the sun right above the horizon, and take some photo's after it has set as the sky will have some beautiful colors.

 

[KmH]

Since you're in New Jersey it's likely the Sun will be setting over land and not water.
Do you plan to have the Sun in any of the shots?

Do you have any GND filters? The dynamic range of the scene could exceed what your camera's image sensor can capture requiring you make 2 or more exposures for blending post process.

 

[Compaq]

Step out of auto mode, and use the spot meter function on your body (if it has one). Then it's easier to choose which part of the sky you think will expose your shots nicely. Dynamic range might be a problem if you include the Sun. You can always try to work that to your advantage, and get some nice silhouettes.

Think simple compositions.

 

[Sherm]

Forgot to mention I'm actually in Florida. Will be on an East Coast beach using Canon 7D and 17-40mm/f4L.

No filters.

The best colors will be towards the end of sunset, correct?

 

[CanonJim]

The best colors will be towards the end of sunset, correct?

Yes. Depending on the amount of cloud cover, and what kind of clouds you have to work with. I usually find plain old "sun disk setting on the horizon" pictures rather boring after the millionth one or so - it's the CLOUDS at a sunset that make the picture. Look for high cirrus clouds that will go red/orange as the sun sets. I think you'll find that the addition of a grad ND filter will GREATLY enhance your pictures, as it will allow you to lengthen shutter time enough to get some detail on your foreground, while not allowing the sun to overexpose your shot. (This, of course, depends on whether you have a foreground worth having in your shot.)

Excuse me for hijacking, but here are some to give you ideas...

All three were taken in New Jersey - I'm lucky enough to live on the west coast of Jersey...

 

[Sherm]

Wonderful shots, thanks for sharing and the recommendations.

 

[Madcapmagishion]

Forgot to mention I'm actually in Florida. Will be on an East Coast beach using Canon 7D and 17-40mm/f4L.

No filters.

The best colors will be towards the end of sunset, correct?

If your on an east coast beach the sun will be setting behind you and will be over land, as it sets in the west.
Unless you can get to the west coast beaches of Florida, maybe consider taking sunrise photos over the ocean!
To me it seems the best colors happen in the "Blue Hour" just after sunset and just before sunrise.
My Sunrise shot over the Atlantic Ocean. Taken at Atlantic Beach, Florida.