So You F#$*!d Up Another Sunset Pic, Again?

Introduction

YOU'RE BACK!! Our editors said you wouldn't be back, something about delivery, attitude, less compassion than a, well anyway Glad You're Back! Just like I was told to say. Let's get right to it.

In Part 1. of this article we looked at five tips to help take a pic of a sunset people won't forget, focusing on the phone settings. In this part, we look at timing and composition. Ready?

When to Take a Sunset Pic

Timing Is ALL! The key to capturing a mesmerizing sunset photo is timing. Research the sunset time for your location and arrive a little earlier to set up your shot. If you aren't getting the results you want, it's probably because of these four main reasons, Either you are:

• A little late
• A little early
• In an area that just isn't going to give you a good vantage point
• taking pics of the moon, in which case, I can not help you.

KEY TIDBIT: The best moments for sunset photography are during the "golden hour," which is the period just before the sun sets when the warm, soft light bathes the surroundings.

Thirds, Silhouettes, and Keeping It Interesting

Compose your sunset photo creating a striking image. Use the rule of thirds by placing the horizon along the top or bottom third of the frame. If you do not know what the rule of thirds is, imagine a tic-tac-toe board over your pic. Keep your main attraction out of the middle. play around with your pics in this manner, setting your subject matter in different blocks of three.

There are so many interesting ways to make your photo POP, using mathematics and grids. Yes, you can stick to playing with grids, fine, But dare I say, Fibonacci? No? Okay, no it is, sorry. Moving on,

Frame your shot. Utilize natural elements like trees, archways, or buildings to frame your sunset photo creatively. The framing adds depth and draws the viewer's attention to the center of the image, making for a more engaging and aesthetically pleasing composition.

A few of Our Favorite Things

Consider including some interesting component/s to add to the dynamic story aspect of images. Some acceptable objects that help give your sunset pics some life are:

• Silhouettes of trees
• A dusty road
• Colorful or golden field with a subject looking confused
• Buildings
• People caught fake laughing as if they heard a better joke than we ever have
• Bigfoot
• A solitary traveler
• A charging bear

Basically, anything you choose. You are the artist, the photographer, the one holding everyone up. Play around, it's supposed to be a fun experience. If you mess up, yet again, don't worry. Another sunset will happen sooner or later. I can say that with confidence.

About Silhouettes

Silhouettes can add drama and emotion to your sunset photos (they can also be overdone, boring, and over-used). Position your subject against the backdrop of the colorful sky and capture their outline as a striking silhouette. Experiment with different subjects, such as trees, people, animals, or something unique instead, to create captivating sunset silhouettes.

The key here is, Don't try to mimic a photograph you saw in an artist's book unless you are attempting to learn their style. Make yours, yours.

Conclusion

In all seriousness. You got this! Play. Enjoy yourself. These are the best ingredients to learn, play and enjoy what you are doing. Don’t let anyone try to convince you otherwise. And always keep supportive people like us in your life, on the peripheral, probably is best.

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Thanks for Reading,

- The Next Plan, July 2023