before dawn and after sunset

anthony · 11-03-2009, 09:03 AM

Whats the technique to photograph before dawn and after sunset?

Shibby3.8 · 11-03-2009, 10:10 AM

arrive at the pre-sunrise, post-sunset time. take photographs.

what do you mean by technique? that time of day is simply considered a better time to shoot due to the light, there's no special technique other than being awake and having a camera in hand.

flyer · 11-03-2009, 10:17 AM

A tripod might come in handy. Your exposures are likely to be on the long side. Shooting RAW will allow you to adjust white balance to your liking in PP. Some people like the white balance to be on the warm side of things for that type of pictures, and some people like it closer to reality.

Experiment and have fun!

blu3ness · 11-03-2009, 10:22 AM

what about exposure compensation and bracketing?... how do you achieve that silhouette
effect (i'm guessing dial it down 1~2 steps EC). I'm curious about the techniques involved as well.. will experiment when I get a sunny day :P

*waqas* · 11-03-2009, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by anthony

Whats the technique to photograph before dawn and after sunset?

Go to bed early and get a nice breakfast well before dawn. If you had some photography-related questions you might have got some specific answers

*Nowhere Matt* · 11-03-2009, 12:12 PM

If Dawn and Sunset were the names of strippers and he were about to post images, I am sure some of you would be a little more helpful.

The topic does lack certain definitions however. Can the original topic creator indulge us with a little more about what his questions might be. There really is a fantastic collection of contributors on the forum and any number of people here to help and give suggestions. Give us another chance and you will surely find lots of interesting opinions.

**Marc Sabatella** · 11-03-2009, 01:17 PM

Originally Posted by blu3ness

what about exposure compensation and bracketing?... how do you achieve that silhouette
effect (i'm guessing dial it down 1~2 steps EC).

A silhouette is a dark subject against a bright background. So either meter off the background and apply no exposure compensation - this will make the background "normal" and the subject dark in comparison - or else meter off the subject and then apply negative compensation. Either method would yield the same results.

blu3ness · 11-03-2009, 02:04 PM

thanks marc!

cb750r · 11-06-2009, 12:31 PM

you can view more pre and post sunset photo's and veiw my shot details, if you'd like

Second shot predawn.

Tripod is very handy, as is a remote shutter release, or the 3 second timer, to ensure you dont shake the camera when shutter button is depressed.

I'm no pro, but it seems my Good shots are exactly what you're asking about!

cb750r · 11-06-2009, 12:32 PM

silhouette.

bluebronco · 11-06-2009, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by Shibby3.8

arrive at the pre-sunrise, post-sunset time. take photographs.

Zing!!!!!!

mysticcowboy · 11-06-2009, 07:57 PM

Especially for pre-dawn photos you'll leave home while it's still dark. Knowing what you're going to shoot and how to get there is vital. You'll need a flashlight or headlamp as often as not. After sunset you'll need the flash to get back.

This was a 15 minute hike and required setting up before real light. It's still 5 - 10 minutes before official sunrise.

Knowing not only the time of sunrise but what where the sun comes up is very helpful. Most shots are done towards the sun but shooting away also gives wonderful light.

Shot about 90 degrees away from the rising sun

Most pre-dawn shots are landscapes but having people in the frame can add something.

We both scrambled over rocks with headlights to get where we wanted to be.

michael mckee
My Port Townsend – A City in Photographs