Sunrise photography
Learning photography - photographing the sunrise
The right technique for photographing the sunrise
Shooting at sunrise can be one of the most rewarding experiences for photographers. The colors and shades that can be seen during this time of day are breathtaking and offer countless opportunities for creative shots.
Equipment
- Camera: A digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) or a mirrorless system camera is ideal as it gives you full manual control over the settings. However, high-quality smartphone cameras can also deliver good results.
- Lenses: A wide-angle lens is particularly useful for capturing the entire horizon and the surrounding landscape. It also allows you to achieve impressive perspectives and expand the sky with its colors.
- Tripod: As you are working with low light in the early morning hours and may need to use longer exposure times, a sturdy tripod is essential to avoid camera shake and ensure sharp shots.
- Remote shutter release (optional): A remote shutter release can be helpful to minimize camera shake when releasing the shutter. If you don’t have a remote shutter release, you can also use the camera’s self-timer.
- Camera bag: A well-padded camera bag protects your camera equipment from possible damage and from moisture or dew, which can occur in the morning hours. Especially on the way to the photo spot.
- Spare batteries and memory cards: It is advisable to always have spare batteries and enough memory cards with you to ensure that you have enough power and storage space for your photography.
- Sun protection: A lens hood for your lens helps to reduce unwanted stray light and minimize flares. Also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunlight, especially when looking through the viewfinder.
- Cleaning accessories: Wipes to clean the lens and camera body are important to remove dust or dirt that may affect your shots.
- Smartphone or tablet (optional): A smartphone or tablet with weather apps and sun position indicators can be helpful to check the exact time of sunrise and weather conditions.
This equipment provides you with a good basis for successfully photographing the sunrise. Remember that it is always an advantage to travel light, as you may have to cover longer distances to reach the perfect location.
Setting the exposure
One of the most important aspects of taking photos at sunrise is the right exposure. As the sun is not yet high in the sky, the light is very soft and diffuse. A longer exposure time is necessary for optimal exposure of the still partially dark landscape. A tripod is therefore highly recommended if you want to keep the ISO value low. The long exposure time of the landscape contrasts with the exposure of the sun, which can already burn out in your shot.
Exposure at the left edge of the histogram
To avoid overexposing the sun, you can use the camera’s histogram to the left as a guide. If a few areas of the landscape are too dark afterwards, you can simply brighten them up (e.g. lighten the shadows). A burnt-out sun/sky cannot be corrected so easily.
Exposure bracketing
You have the problem that either the landscape is underexposed or the sky/sun is overexposed in a shot. You can solve this by bracketing the exposure. Your camera offers this in the exposure settings. You now take, for example, 3 pictures: one underexposed, one normally exposed and one overexposed photo. You combine these 3 images in Lightroom and obtain an optimally exposed image in all areas.
HERE you can find out how this works in Lightroom.
Graduated filter
A manual measure to prevent an overexposed sky is to use a graduated filter. A graduated filter darkens the sky and you can compensate for the differences in brightness between the sky and the landscape with one shot.
You can find a large selection of graduated filters HERE.
Sun star
Choose a narrow aperture (e.g. from F11) and preferably a wide-angle lens. Make sure that the sun is still close to the horizon. You can capture this using HDR technology to avoid overexposure. The sun star will look different depending on the lens used (e.g. due to the number of blades). Try out your lenses to find the sun star you like best. Fixed focal lengths in particular often produce “more beautiful” stars.
Place and time
Another important factor is choosing the right location. Look for places with interesting landscapes or buildings that stand out particularly well in the light of the sunrise. Also consider the perspective – a low camera position can often produce impressive results.
Es ist auch wichtig, die richtige Zeit zu wählen. Der Sonnenaufgang variiert je nach Jahreszeit und Standort, also planen Sie Ihre Aufnahmen im Voraus und seien Sie frühzeitig vor Ort, um keine wichtigen Momente zu verpassen.
Meine Empfehlung zur Planung des richtigen Standpunktes ist die App: Photopills.
Eine letzte Sache zu beachten ist, dass das Licht während des Sonnenaufgangs schnell ändern kann. Um die bestmöglichen Ergebnisse zu erzielen, sollten Sie bereit sein, schnell Ihre Kamera-Einstellungen anzupassen und verschiedene Aufnahmen zu machen.
Have fun taking photos
In summary, photographing at sunrise can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. With the right preparation, technique and attention to light, you can achieve stunning results.
Frequently asked questions about photographing the sunrise
To photograph the sunrise, you will need a DSLR camera or a high-quality smartphone camera, a tripod, a remote shutter release (optional) and a wide-angle lens or telephoto lens for breathtaking landscape shots.
The best time to photograph the sunrise is around 30 minutes before the official sunrise time. This gives you enough time to set up your camera and find possible compositions.
It is advisable to scout the location in advance. Research potential locations that offer an interesting landscape or iconic element that you would like to incorporate into your image. Apps and websites such as “The Photographer’s Ephemeris” can also help you determine the exact position of the rising sun.
Use the so-called “golden hour”, the time shortly after sunrise, to make the most of the soft and warm morning light. Experiment with different perspectives and compose your picture to capture the light in the best possible way.
Yes, make sure you protect your eyes from direct sunlight, especially when looking through the viewfinder of your camera. Wear sunglasses if necessary. Also protect your equipment from dew or moisture, which can often occur in the early morning hours.
Let your creativity run wild by trying out different angles and compositions.
Don’t miss the moment! Prepare in advance to have the best chance of taking great shots. Be patient and pay attention to the changing light conditions during sunrise. Be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand (e.g. on Windy). And above all: enjoy the moment and the magic of the morning hours!
