As the sun drifts lower in the sky, painting the world in an ever-changing array of colors, many of us feel compelled to pause and witness the beauty of its descent. From an artistically rendered sky of pink and orange to an awe-inspiring blaze of fiery red, the power of the evening sunset lies in its ability to convey a sense of awe and beauty upon those lucky enough to witness it. Let us explore the wonders of chasing sunsets and discover how to capture this breathtaking view forever with the perfect golden-hour photograph.
1. Chasing After the Brilliance of Sunsets
Nothing can beat the spectacular show of colors that nature puts up at the end of each day.
The miracle of sunsets is made up of bright hues of red, orange and yellow. These are emitted from the sun as it begins to dip down the horizon, fading out into the night. Catching the brilliance of a sunset is an inspiring sight, and when you can watch the sun sink into the sea, the beauty of the moment is amplified.
Taking the time to enjoy the setting of the sun has always been a great pleasure. It is a joy to sit and watch the sun become engulfed by the night:
- The orange glow of the late afternoon sky creates an almost surreal ambiance
- The fading light of the day gives one a sense of transformative peace
- Gazing upon the mesmerising sky takes away worries and stress
- Admiring a sunset invokes a feeling of calm and relaxation
Collecting the moments of sunsets is something that can be done to create a bundle of amazing memories. Every sunrise and sunset is uniquely beautiful, which makes it all the more precious to seek out and celebrate each and every one.
2. Cherishing the Magic of the Golden Hour
The Golden Hour is a time of day when the world is cast in the most beautiful light, and natural wonders can be experienced in all their glory. This brief moment between twilight and full daylight has a mythical quality that is beloved by photographers, and captivates the hearts of lovers of nature.
Everything seems brighter and crisper in the teetering balance of half-light and half-darkness, as if barely hanging on to a secret spell that could break at any moment. The atmosphere of the Golden Hour can be experienced both indoors and out – there’s something supernatural about this sleepy, intimate time of day, regardless of the location.
The quality of time in this special hour is a world away from the busy hustle of the day. Evenly spread rays of light sparkle onto everything they touch, bringing out a warmth and a vibrancy that you otherwise wouldn’t see. It’s not hard to see why so many become enchanted by the Golden Hour’s ethereal beauty.
Take a few moments out of your day to cherish the Golden Hour, and soak up it’s endless possibilities. Whether it’s a romantic setting for a stroll or a perfect platform for a photoshoot, the Golden Hour will never cease to inspire magical moments.
3. A Photographer’s Guide to Capturing Sunsets
The golden hour of the day can make any image magical. Capturing sunsets is a skill, which can be mastered with practice. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sunset shots.
Position –Your position is very important when shooting sunsets. Experiment with different angles and heights to get the best results. Get close to the horizon and balance the view.
Light –Sometimes, the most beautiful images of the sunsets don’t have an orange background. Don’t be afraid to experiment with silhouettes or light and shadow and go for a longer exposure with your sunset shots.
Equipment –Any camera will do for sunset images. Stick with your old DSLR or smartphone and use the following:
- Tripod or monopod – for greater stability and longer exposures.
- Polarising filter – to reduce reflections and make colours more vibrant.
- ND filter – to slow down exposure and create dreamy looks.
- Telephoto lens – to enhance details of clouds and other small details.
Editing – Digital image editing software can help you adjust colours, contrast, and highlight details. Having the right editing tools, like Actions, can save you time and ensure perfect results.
4. Rekindling Our Love of Nature Through Sunsets
Our love of nature has been long lost in the constant turmoil that seems to haunt our everyday lives. Watching the earth’s beautiful sunsets is a sure-fire way to bring back our appreciation for the natural world around us. Here are the 4 ways we can rekindle our connection to the outdoors and get back to marveling at the beauty of the sun setting on distant horizons:
- Escape to a Low Traffic Area – Away from the hustle and bustle of the city is where we can take a few moments to relax, observe our surroundings and take in the beauty of the sunsets.
- Find a Spot in Nature – Whether it’s a hilltop, far away meadow, or secluded shoreline; being at one with nature is essential for reconnecting with life and allowing us to appreciate the beauty of sunsets.
- Take It All In – Remove yourself from the noise of everyday life for a moment and take time to appreciate the peace that comes with sunsets. Relish in the silence of the moment and bask in the glow of the sun’s last breath of the day.
- Rediscover Your Passion – Uncover the passion that was hidden under layers of stress and worry. Being with nature can bring out the deeply seeded desire to get out more and explore. Capturing the romantic sunsets can be the perfect way to rekindle the old flame between us and nature.
No matter the location, sunsets offer a reminder of our long-lost connections with nature. Allow yourself the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, and even if it is only for a few moments a day, reminders of the sunsets and its beauty will feel like a breath of fresh air.
As the sun dips below the horizon and the sky is painted with oranges and yellows, it’s easy for anyone to see why so many photographers prioritize chasing sunsets. Seeing the world in these moments of stunning beauty inspires us to pause and remember all the simple joys that life has to offer.