How to get the best sunrise photos
When I think of perfect landscape photos I think golden hour, I think soft light, I think beautiful colors, and I think sunrise or sunset.
During one of my recent sunrise sessions for my photography business I realized that maybe some people aren’t quite certain how to even begin to plan a sunrise photo session. So, I thought I would create an article on exactly that! How to get the best sunrise photos! Ok, so lets dig in!!!
Tips on how to get the best sunrise photos
1.Check the sunrise time
This is the first most important thing that you need to do. You need to make sure what time sunrise is actually going to be. You see, sunrise only lasts for 10-15 minutes. It isn’t long and it isn’t forgiving. You could have scheduled your entire travel around this, but if you mess up on this time, you will be disappointed. I use the PhotoPills app and I also double check with Google.
You will want to make sure that you are at your location about 20 minutes before sunrise is scheduled. This way you can allow yourself enough time to figure our your composition, where the clouds are, what the colors are going to do, etc.
Make sure you are in the right time zone
I will not lie to you… I totally messed up on this. Luckily the time was in my favor and I had an hour more, but if you forget this it could make or break your sunrise trip!
2. Check the weather
This is the next most important things that you need to do. If the weather isn’t nice, you won’t get a good photo. For me I absolutely love clouds and the sunrise colors so this can be quite tricky. I want there to be clouds but not too many clouds. If there are too many clouds you won’t get color. If there isn’t enough clouds, you won’t color. If it is raining you won’t get color. If it is clear you won’t get color. So…. I am going to say this might be the hardest to predict.
You cannot control the weather so be prepared to be disappointment. You are at the mercy of God and Mother nature here. You can only do the best that you can do. Believe me… I have had so many disappointing landscape sunrise photo trips it isn’t even funny :) Don’t get discouraged. Keep trying!!
3. Google earth
This little tool is going to become your best friend. It is going to help you scout your locations. You can:
Use the existing photos to see what the landscape looks like in case you haven’t ever been to the location before.
See exactly what angle the sun is going to rise
Where the shadows will be at what time
What the terrain is like
How long it will take you to get there
And so much more! believe me, this tool is necessary. Play with it! You will thank me later!
4. Photo pills app
I love my photo pills app. It is about $10 , but totally worth it. It tells you literally everything you need to know to plan a trip anywhere within the world.
5. Google Search Engine
Once you have decided on where you want to go start googling your location. You can find so may blogs, reviews, and suggestions on the place that you are planning on visiting. Seriously a simple google search has saved me hours and a lot of heart ache.
6. The right clothing gear
Oh baby… I cannot stress this enough. If you are uncomfortable you are going to hate ever second of your trip and you most likely won’t go again. So, make sure you have the right clothing gear for your occasions. Here are some of my essentials for colder weather:
7. Check permits local, park rules, local regulations, etc
I feel like this goes without saying, but I am going to say it anyway. Make sure you are working within the rules of the location you are going. If you need a permit, get one. If the park is closed, find a different location.
8. Camera gear
Manual camera
A manual camera is going to allow you to get the right exposure and the correct depth of field. You need this!
Wide angle lens
This is essential! You need a wide angle lens in order to capture the entire landscape especially if you have tall mountains.
A sturdy tripod
Again, essential. I know you are probably thinking that I think everything is essential, but babe… I want you to get the photo that you are imagining. The photo that you are picturing in your head and if you want that photo you need these things!
Here is what I use on a regular basis:
There you have it friends! My top tips to get the best sunrise photos ever!!!! This is not by any means the holy grail of sunrise photos but it will definitely get you started. If you want to learn more photography tips, head on over to my photography website.
Wishing you nothing but amazing adventures and beautiful images!
Bessie