Sunset photos (especially at the beach)

Question

I am going to stay at a beach house next weekend on the Gulf of Mexico. Since it's on the west coast of FL, there should be some amazing sunsets over the ocean. Any tips for taking good sunset photos (especially at the beach)? Would you share your favorite sunset photo that you have taken.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I find it helpful when shooting directly into the sun to make it a little darker by using the minus button on your camera. It gives a more saturated look and the colors pop.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2705...

Answer 2

I find sunsets alone boring images, but they are wonderful when used with a main focal point.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/perki88/385...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/perki88/385...

Answer 3

Use a tripod

Don't just take one picture... the lighting is constantly changing, creating different colors... take advantage of this by photogaphing every few minutes

Bracket your exposures

Watch your horizon line... make sure it isn't crooked!

Answer 4

Here's my pics...

http://treealbero.deviantart.com/art/Sun...

http://treealbero.deviantart.com/art/Sun...

http://treealbero.deviantart.com/art/Sun...

Instructions:

Step1Find a beach that you can photograph.

Step2Observe first. Check out the beach and the way the sun is shining on it during different times of the day. Note the time you see the sunrise and the time you see the sunset. Note when you can see shadows and when the waves are at their highest point. Take note of anything that you see that might make a good picture and then write down the time that you see it. Create a plan for which pictures you want to take and at what time you want to take them, then go back the next day with your camera.

Step3

Perfect Horizon Shot

Make sure the horizon is straight. No one wants to view a horizon that seems crooked. It is unpleasant to the eyes. There are programs like Photoshop that can help you straighten out the horizon if it is crooked, but try to get it right the first time. Below is a picture of a perfectly straight horizon.

Step4

Example Sunset

Capture sunrises and sunsets. These are always gorgeous pictures because of the many colors that can be seen. Each beach will have a different time that the sun rises and sets based on its location so you should check observations from the day before.

Step5Look for shadows. At different times of the day the sun can cast shadows. A beach with palm trees for example would have beautiful palm tree shadows in the sand that you could take a picture of. You could also look for a bird such as a seagull standing on the shore with it's shadow cast beside it. Almost anything on the beach that casts a clear shadow is a good shot.

Step6

Crashing Waves

Capture the waves at their best. Visit the beach when the waves are at their roughest. Everyone loves a calm sunset, but there are times when a giant wave about to crash makes a great photograph. It gives an individual a sense of awe and respect for the ocean.

Step7

Footprints in the sand

Create your own shots. Make a sand castle or a foot path to the water's edge. Try to make a snow angel or bury your friend. Be creative because the beach is a beautiful place. Put your creativity together with nature's beauty and you will have a winning photograph every time.

Step8Take beach shots from an areal view. You can do this in a plane or helicopter or you can climb to the top of the rocks and look down. Shots from above give you a new perspective from the same beach. It allows you to get the overall feel for the beach so that you can appreciate the individual shots you have taken.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4431961_photogra...

Answer 5

i'm such a cheater.

i just throw my itty bitty point and shoot on auto and click away.

and i got some good ones too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nachophoto/...

that one was edited for contrast and saturation but farther down the photostream are the unedited ones. which also came out nicely.

i dont see why everyone always frowns on auto.

i doesnt automatically make a good picture, many people often still suck w/ it. You have to use good subject matter, composition, etc.

but theres my two cents.

just use auto.

Answer 6

First of all, it would be so ideal if you know you are going to have some nice puffy clouds in the sky in the morning.  Clouds offer so much more of a dimension than without them.  

Next, compose a great shot.  Look to see if you have any bushes, trees, beach chairs...etc..  that could be placed in the photo anywhere to create a silouette type of effect.  

Try different exposures with your shutter speed.  One time I did sunrise photos, and I swear a few of them looked like sunset.... which is ok, but you can get a miriade effect off of one shoot.

Good Luck... I am so jealous! Take me with you!

Thanks for reading!

Answer 7

use a tripod, meter for the highlights

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Answer 8

Having lived and photographed on the Gulf Coast of Florida for 30 years now, I hope you get some wonderful images.

Late afternoon cloud formations this time of year generally make for great colors and textures.

Of course, using a tripod is always a good idea.

Keep that horizon level.

Meter for the highlights.

Don't hve the horizon right across the middle of your image.  Make a decision:  is this shot about the sky or the water? Then tilt up or down  to suit your composition.

If there are people in the foreground of any of your sunset shots, USE  THE FLASH! (Unless, of course, you want them to be in silhouette.)

Sometimes the most exciting colors are during the 15-20 minutes AFTER the sun has set.

If you're standing right next to the gulf, observe the wave action, and shoot when a wave is peaking or rolling in at your feet.

There are no absolutes. Every sunset is different.  just have fun with it.

You asked for a sample.  I have several you might be interested in.

Visit my cafepress site if you like:  http://www.cafepress.com/jimmcdadephoto

I also have some recent sunsets on flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/grimitz

(These are mostly from Hawaii, since that's where I am right now).